October CEO Update

As CEO of a nonpartisan organization, it always boils down to policy—especially for real issues like the economy, public safety, border security, and education freedom.

As the hands of the clock swing towards November, our country finds itself in a familiar yet uniquely intense dance with destiny. The coming election is not merely a choice between candidates but a referendum on the future of America. In living rooms, coffee shops, and digital media platforms, the air thickens with anticipation, anxiety, and even hope. Sometimes lost in the cacophony of campaign rhetoric, this election brings us to a pivot point, where our nation’s trajectory could dramatically shift for the better.

As CEO of a nonpartisan organization, it always boils down to policy—especially for real issues like the economy, public safety, border security, and education freedom.

When the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act passed in 2017 it was like the economy was on steroids. Salaries went up, unemployment plummeted, capital investment rose, and companies began reshoring money and jobs that were previously held overseas. And while critics claimed the results would be devastating, it has produced record levels of federal revenues. As Dr. Arthur Laffer explained more than 50 years ago, there is a sweet spot between the level of taxation and the level of government revenue. To echo the voices of ALEC state legislators, extending those tax cuts permanently is critical for our economy.

Speaking of Dr. Laffer, September 13th was the 50th anniversary of the Laffer Curve. Drawn on a napkin during a lunch at the Hotel Washington, this concept helped usher in a new way of economic thinking and served as a cornerstone of the Reagan Revolution. Since then, Dr. Laffer has been an invaluable ally to ALEC and all the principles we hold dear. We thank him for all those years of support and look forward to the many years to come.

Public safety is another pressing issue. As you may have heard, a recent FBI report found violent crime is down, though the report only included “data from 72% of the law enforcement population participating in the collection.” This is not the experience of the majority of Americans, who list crime and violence as one of their greatest concerns in 2024. When it comes to law enforcement and prioritization of public safety, leadership is desperately needed – from Washington to our cities and counties.

Then there’s border security. An estimated 12.5 million people have poured across the Southern border since the Biden-Harris Administration took charge. That’s more than the population of Illinois, Ohio, and 42 other states. Beyond the concerns of gang activity, drug and human trafficking, and even terrorism, there has also been an incredible strain on our taxpayer-funded resources — from housing and healthcare to education and law enforcement. This year, the federal government made the baffling decision to prevent Texas from securing its own border. I saw the devastating results firsthand during a trip to Eagle Pass, Texas with the ALEC Board earlier this year. The Biden Administration’s failure to secure the border is simply unacceptable.

Finally, education freedom. Twelve states now offer universal education freedom programs, allowing money to follow students to the schools that best meet their needs. I was thrilled in July when the GOP made history by calling for “universal school choice” in its party platform. As I wrote in the Des Moines Register a few weeks ago, families deserve choice in education – and states like Iowa are making that a reality. In 2025, our Education Freedom Alliance will continue to spread this message in state capitals to ensure that students – not systems – come first. It’s time for our national leaders to embrace this approach to help every child succeed.

This election is about more than rhetoric. We need leaders who understand the importance of lowering taxes and allowing Americans to keep more of what they earn. We need leaders who will take real steps to address violent crime, not simply tell us everything is fine. We need a secure border that ensures the rule of law while protecting the resources of hardworking taxpayers. And we need an education system that prioritizes students, not bureaucracies. As November approaches, let’s stay focused on the policies that matter. Our future depends on it.

As a reminder, we recently shared important updates on the impact of Hurricane Helene and ways you can support recovery efforts. Click here to see how you can help.