It’s The Economy, Stupid: June CEO Update

Data centers and artificial intelligence are the focal point of today’s state policy discussions. When implemented thoughtfully, data centers can drive millions of dollars in new economic activity and turn around prospects for regions that need and want the expanded investment. These large-scale projects drive years of consistent demand for blue collar workers and will spur long overdue upgrades to our nation’s internet and grid infrastructure.

We must also acknowledge and address the serious concerns that accompany this new development. Citizens and local businesses are rightly asking questions about how data centers will affect their utility bills and regional water supplies, and how noise and land use questions will impact communities in the long term.

And then there’s the national security component. As retired U.S. Air Force Lt. General David Deptula, explained: “The nation with the best data infrastructure will possess a decisive advantage in the next era of warfare. The U.S. cannot afford to lose that position.”

Without a clear strategy to protect ratepayers and match this new demand with affordable and reliable energy, we risk falling behind foreign adversaries like the CCP who would love nothing more than to see American companies falter on the world stage.

President Trump’s wisely emphasized the need for accountability and responsible construction of data centers in the recent Ratepayer Protection Pledge. As a result, major companies have pledged to protect Americans from energy price hikes, pay for infrastructure upgrades, invest in local workforce development, and contribute to electric and community resilience.

Not surprisingly, this growth has led to many discussions about how best to build out an infrastructure that can provide for the demands that are coming. Next month at the ALEC Annual Meeting in Orlando, I expect there to be many discussions on the policies surrounding these current issues. And that’s one of the best parts about ALEC—we foster healthy debates among members with different backgrounds, experiences, and priorities. I’m excited for these discussions to take place, guided by our ALEC principles of Limited Government, Free Markets, and Federalism. If you haven’t already, be sure to register now so you don’t miss out!

I recently had the honor of joining my friend, Dr. Arthur Laffer, to present the Laffer Award for Economic Excellence to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. While meeting with Secretary Bessent, we discussed the best ways to build a pro-growth economy, something the Trump administration has prioritized with policies like the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act. The most recent job numbers—172,000 jobs added in May—prove that these policies are working. To continue growing our economy, Secretary Bessent’s is a believer in deregulation, lower deficits, and more U.S. energy. He gets it! Check out his recorded remarks when he was given the award last year in Fort Worth:

One of my favorite aspects of the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act is the Federal Education Freedom Tax Credit Program. So far, 30 states have opted in, and over the past few weeks, pressure is mounting for blue states like New York and Illinois to join. In fact, just last week, the North Carolina legislature overrode Governor Josh Stein’s veto of H.B. 87, which means North Carolina will become the latest state to participate in the program. Even the Washington Post’s Editorial Board called for the blue states to opt-in to the program, quoting President Barack Obama’s Education Secretary Arne Duncan who said taking the money was a “no-brainer” and “a moral obligation.” We had great conversations about this at last month’s ALEC Education Policy Academy in West Virginia and during the ALEC State Chairs Fly-In here in Washington, DC. I know it will be a topic of discussion at our Blue State Academy in Chicago later this week too.

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I’m also thrilled to share with you the debut of ALEC’s latest promotional video, which I hope you’ll share with your friends and colleagues. Our friends like Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, Hugh Hewitt, Dr. Laffer, Stephen Moore, and others talk about the importance of ALEC and its mission. There’s even a cameo from President Ronald Reagan from when he addressed ALEC in 1985! I hope that it inspires you to join ALEC if you haven’t already done so!

At ALEC, through the principles of our Founding Fathers, we strive to create a nation stronger, freer, and more prosperous for our children and our children’s children. That is why the work we do in the states is so critical.

At a recent press briefing, between comments about Iran and jokes about his DJ skills, Secretary of State Marco Rubio was asked:  “What is your hope for America at a time such as this?” His answer will inspire you.

“We want it to continue to be the place where anyone from anywhere can achieve anything…And as we come upon this 250-year anniversary, I think we have a lot to learn and be proud of in our history. It is one of perpetual and continuous improvement, where each generation has done its part to bring us closer to fulfilling the vision that the founders of this country had upon its founding.”

See you in Orlando!