November CEO Update
We continue to be shocked and saddened by the brutal and unprovoked attacks that took place on the streets of Israel on October 7th and the ensuing battles that continue today. The images are enshrined in my mind with mothers and daughters, fathers and sons, grandparents and grandchildren who were attacked and even taken hostage. None seemed to be immune to the mindless barbarism of Hamas. At ALEC, we have long supported the Israeli people and have led two legislative Academies in recent years which makes it that much more personal.
For those inspired to act, contact your local state legislators and request passage of a resolution supporting Israel and denouncing Hamas. Our model resolution – unanimously approved by the ALEC Board of Directors last week – affirms your state’s support for Israel, encourages other US states to adopt similar resolutions, and condemns Hamas’ October attack.
Texas, Utah, New Hampshire, and Arkansas have already adopted such a resolution with Michigan, Nebraska, Ohio, and Pennsylvania adopting our language in at least one legislative chamber. If your state is not on that list, it should be.
Closer to home, we’re wrapping up the year just as strong as ever. With four academies in October including the Ozarks Regional Tax and Economic Policy Academy, a Healthcare Solutions Academy, an Academy on Defending the States, and Emerging Technology, we’ve been setting the stage for an impactful legislative session in 2024!
Speaking of excitement, I hope you are excited about our 2023 States and Nation Policy Summit. We are returning to one of our favorite hotels, the Westin Kierland, for a week filled with trusted policy solutions across the states for three fantastic days of planning, debating, and discussing the critical issues for 2024. Our task forces will be in full swing, discussing more than 40 model policies, and workshops, training seminars, town halls, and caucuses available for all.
For everyone already registered we can’t wait to see you! And for those of you who haven’t – what’s the holdup? Not only will Scottsdale be gorgeous this time of year, but you’ll be hearing from the best and brightest legislative minds in the nation. We’re talking about the latest approaches to energy, technology, criminal justice, mental health, and the always fascinating American City County Exchange meetings.
Finally, you may have noticed recent anti-ALEC smear campaigns backed by the Tides Center, the same foundation supporting pro-Hamas protests throughout the U.S. Never one to back away from a fight, I quickly penned an op-ed denouncing the distortions about ALEC and provided a laundry list of accomplishments we’ve achieved over the years in the name of limited government, free markets, and federalism. Please read and share our response, Facts, not falsehoods, about the American Legislative Exchange Council, at your earliest convenience.
So, as you prepare for your Thanksgiving feast (no matter how big or small), know the American Legislative Exchange Council is here for you both in good times and bad. Because we’re not just officers, employees, and members … we’re family. And family sticks together. As one.
See you in Scottsdale!