November CEO Update

What we witnessed on Tuesday night was more than a presidential election; it was a loud, clear referendum on the future direction of our country. Given the choice, the American people overwhelmingly embraced the path of lower taxes, fewer regulations, and a fundamental shift of power back to the states. In other words, America chose the path championed by ALEC: federalism.

Now, while many of you are rightly celebrating the return of normalcy to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, it’s time to move beyond the cheers. Our mission has only begun. Americans are hungry for real results. They’re tired of watching Washington squander their children’s futures on empty promises and half-baked schemes. They’re frustrated by seeing their hard-earned dollars go to big government programs that do nothing but drain power from the states. Your message to Washington? No more.

No more billion-dollar boondoggles that add to politicians’ resumes but leave constituents with empty results. No more federal overreach masquerading as “protection” while undermining our freedoms. And no more leaving our border open wide, exposing our communities to the chaos of unchecked migration.

Where do we start? For me, the first step is election integrity. The American people overwhelming choose to safeguard their elections from the convoluted, bureaucratic mess that is ranked choice voting in states like Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, and South Dakota. Alaskans are on the verge of repealing it entirely, and Missouri is doing its best to make sure it never takes root. Voters, instead, demand clarity, simplicity, and straightforward elections—directly choosing their leaders without jumping through procedural hoops. This year, we’ll look for more ways to help even more states adopt proven, durable measures that ensure every citizen’s vote is secure.

As the new administration moves forward, we know there will be fierce opposition—especially to efforts to support educational freedom, defend energy independence, and put American families first. ALEC will be there with trusted policy solutions in hand, ready to reinforce the will of the people. When Washington overreaches, we know the answer lies in strong, principled policy rooted in the states. Our model policies are time-tested frameworks that have thrived in the states even when the federal government faltered. Now, more than ever, is the time for states to lead.

Across the country, state legislatures are tackling the big challenges of our day. In Michigan, the new Republican House majority will keep Governor Whitmer accountable, pushing to restore right-to-work laws that protect worker freedom and choice. In Pennsylvania, legislators are prepared to expand educational opportunities and allow families to decide the best educational paths for their children. And in Kansas, with more low tax supporters than last session, we will keep the focus on fiscal restraint and reforms.

Educational freedom stands at the forefront of our agenda. For families from coast to coast, the idea of choosing where and how their child’s education dollars are spent isn’t radical; it’s common sense. ALEC’s Universal Education Freedom model policy gives states a proven roadmap for ensuring families can make the choices that fit them best. States like Iowa and Arizona have shown that education freedom doesn’t just help students and families; it strengthens communities and enriches our nation. In 2025, we’re ready to work with states nationwide to expand access to these choices, empowering every family to seek the best opportunities for their children.

To our ALEC members and supporters who have worked so tirelessly to bring us to this point—thank you. And to those ready to join our mission, your time is now. When we stand united, we can achieve incredible advances in education reform, job creation, healthcare transparency, and economic growth. This is a season of decisive action, a time to make our voices heard, and a time to reaffirm our commitment to limited government, free markets, and federalism.

Thank you for the dedication, vision, and courage each of you brings. Together, we are building a new era of state-led reforms, rooted in real principles, that will bring genuine, lasting change to America. This opportunity is within our grasp if we have the courage to take it.

Let’s begin this work together next month at the ALEC States and Nation Policy Summit. Join us as we plan for a year of bold action, meaningful progress, and lasting impact. The future of our nation is bright—let’s make the most of it!