Highlighting The Momentum & Wins Transforming The States: Lee Schalk on NewsTalkSTL

ALEC Senior Vice President of Policy Lee Schalk joined The Tim Jones and Chris Arps show from ALEC’s States & Nation Policy Summit in Fort Worth, TX, to discuss highlights from the conference and legislative priorities going into 2026.

Missouri Tax Reform in 2026?

A highlight of the discussion was Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe’s proposed income tax cuts for 2026. Schalk called the governor’s approach “music to any taxpayer’s ears” and emphasized the economic advantages for states that minimize or eliminate income taxes.

“States that don’t impose a tax on income; they are positioned for economic growth. These are the states that are booming,” Schalk said. “Think about the states that you’re bordering that are chipping away at their income taxes, states like Arkansas, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Iowa.”

Schalk encouraged bold reforms, including transitioning to a flat tax and ensuring that all taxpayers benefit from income tax reductions. He also stressed that any tax cut must be paired with disciplined spending cuts to ensure fiscal sustainability.

ALEC has tracked the impact of tax policies through its annual Rich States, Poor States report. Schalk cited Florida as a prime example, noting it is one of nine states that do not tax personal income. “Over the last decade, they have added just under 2 million new residents. Think of all the job creators, the opportunity — Americans are voting with their feet.” Meanwhile, high–income tax states like New York lost 2 million residents in a decade.

A Summit of Innovation and Idea Exchange

Schalk noted that beyond tax policy, the ALEC States and Nation Policy Summit showcased a wide array of policy initiatives. Schalk highlighted the record-breaking attendance of 1,200 participants, underscoring the growing momentum among state leaders in 2025. The event included presentations on 80 draft model policies and an awards ceremony recognizing legislators for their achievements, from eliminating judicial deference in Missouri to identifying billions in waste in Michigan’s budget.

Empowering Parents in Education Policy

Education policy also featured prominently at the summit. ALEC continues to advocate for empowering parents and students to make educational decisions over bureaucratic systems. Schalk noted that returning authority to the states aligns with ALEC’s broader mission to restore federalism and promote innovation in areas like Universal Education Freedom, now adopted by 17 states. ALEC also released its report, Essential Policy Solutions for 2026, emphasizing affordability as a central theme. Schalk highlighted strategies to keep taxes, energy, and healthcare costs manageable while ensuring families can access quality education. “Being able to send your child to a school of your choice or afford tutoring for your children, I think that’s where programs like education savings accounts or tax credit scholarships are so key in the affordability discussion.”