States Take the Lead on Real Reform: Jonathan Williams on The Hugh Hewitt Show

From energy policy to regulatory reform, ALEC President and Chief Economist Jonathan Williams believes that the state governments are the real source of momentum in America today. At least that’s the impression he left after a recent appearance on the nationally syndicated Hugh Hewitt Show. Highlighting the momentum coming out of the 52nd ALEC Annual Meeting in Indianapolis, they started with one of Hewitt’s favorite subjects: Ohio.

“Ohio is doing some big things on energy,” Williams said, noting the state’s leadership on legislation that redefines clean and green energy. “We had Louisiana pass it, and Tennessee pass it. But it all started in Ohio. And things like nuclear and things like hydro and things like clean natural gas should all count towards clean and green energy.”

Though a proud Michigander, Williams gave credit where credit was due.

“I’m not afraid to admit occasionally, when Ohio gets it right,” he said with a grin.

Seizing on the moment, Hewitt dug deeper into the energy question, pointing to the growing demands driven by the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence data centers and how reforms like the REINS Act tie into energy development. Williams explained that excessive regulation has created major obstacles for affordable and reliable energy.

“Some of the ways that the unelected bureaucrats in the administrative state have tried to stymie energy development… that happens a lot of times with no accountability,” Williams said. “The great thing about the REINS Act… is saying the major questions ought to be determined by the legislature or reviewed at least, if the cost of the regulation is more than, let’s say, a million dollars.”

That idea is catching on at the state level.

“We’ve had over 20 states pass our ALEC model REINS Act,” Williams explained.

From deregulatory reform to pro-growth tax policy, Williams pointed to Indiana as a model for how states can move from middle-of-the-pack to national leaders.

“Indiana has moved up from the middle of the 20s to number three [in Rich States, Poor States],” Williams said. “They became a right-to-work state. They’ve become a tax-cutting state year after year. Indiana has been very slow and methodical, but they’ve moved dramatically in the right direction.”

Hewitt also asked about ALEC’s DOGE initiative, referring to the effort popularized by President Trump and Elon Musk. Williams confirmed that ALEC members are taking that mission seriously at the state level.

“Our ALEC government efficiency coalition continues to meet on a monthly basis,” he said. “At our Annual meeting … it was a standing-room-only crowd of more than 200 legislators and others just dedicated to this idea of, how do we take this DOGE idea and make it happen at the state level?”

Williams emphasized that this isn’t about quick fixes, it’s about long-term commitment to spending reform.

“We’re talking long-term commitment to spending relief, and I think that’s exactly what Americans want right now,” he said.

That demand for reform was on full display in Indianapolis, where ALEC hosted its largest Annual Meeting in years.

“The excitement, the enthusiasm, was palatable last week in Indianapolis,” he said. “We had a record amount of state legislators, nearly 500 state legislators from across the country. Nearly every state represented, coming to learn about the best practices of free market policy.”

And that momentum isn’t just about talk. It’s about action.

“We had about 60 pieces of new model legislation that were endorsed by our legislators at this meeting that are going to be going out and considered for the next legislative session,” Williams said. “We’re winning in DC, but we’re winning even more at the state level, and that’s really exciting to be a part of.”