Author Archives: Lee Schalk
Author Archives: Lee Schalk
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Addressing Americans’ Lack of Civics Knowledge
On Saturday, September 17th, we celebrate Constitution Day. Beyond simply commemorating the day our Constitution was signed back in 1787, this holiday is meant to increase American awareness of our…
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ALEC on The Hugh Hewitt Show: From Education to Taxation, Transparency is Key
During the 49th ALEC Annual Meeting in Atlanta, ALEC Vice President of Policy Lee Schalk joined The Hugh Hewitt Show to discuss Rich States, Poor States, education opportunity, academic…
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ALEC on CBS 8 San Diego: More California Companies Expanding in Other States
Last week, ALEC Vice President of Policy Lee Schalk appeared on CBS 8 San Diego to discuss the trend of businesses leaving California. “I think it’s very telling that…
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State Government Employee Retirement Protection Act
1. Definitions. a. The term “pension benefit plan” or “plan” shall mean any plan, fund or program which was heretofore or is hereafter established, maintained, or offered by…
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ALEC in The Orange County Register: Fossil Fuel Divestment Spells Crisis for Pensioners and Taxpayers
ALEC Vice President of Policy Lee Schalk and Research Manager Thomas Savidge penned an op-ed in The Orange County Register on Sacramento’s latest war on fossil fuels. If the…
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Latest Virginia Budget Headed in the Right Direction
Virginia legislators returned to Richmond last week and approved a budget for the next two years that provides nearly $4 billion in tax relief. The compromise sent to Governor…
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Fiscal Rules: An Important Step on the Path to Responsible Fiscal Policy
Government spending is at an all-time high, and with the federal debt reaching its highest levels since World War II, and state government spending has risen more than 90%…
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VIDEO: Counting Down the Top States for Economic Outlook – #3 Arizona
Our Policy Hour series on the top states for Economic Outlook kicked off with Arizona. ALEC’s Jonathan Williams and Lee Schalk spoke with the Chair of the ALEC Tax and…
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Pain at the Pump: State Leaders Consider Suspending Gas Taxes
As the crisis in Ukraine echoes through the energy markets, augmenting the already-increasing gasoline prices exacerbated by the Biden administration’s war on fossil fuels, state legislatures and governors…
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Resolution Urging Congress to Permanently Extend the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017
WHEREAS, prior to government-mandated economic shutdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 spurred steady economic expansion and allowed the spirit of entrepreneurship to flourish,…
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The State of the Union: ALEC Policy Experts Weigh In
As we watched President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address this week, one thing was abundantly clear: in many instances, the President leaned on a top-down, big government approach…
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Chilling Effect: Donor Disclosure, Hackers, and the Freedom Convoy
The disclosure of donor information, even if inadvertent or accidental, chills speech and public participation in policy debates. Take what happened last week to Americans who supported the Freedom Convoy…
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Continuing the Celebration of Black History Month
As we wrote about last week, since 1976, Americans have celebrated Black History Month every February to highlight African American achievements and contributions to the United States. As…
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Crypto Could Protect Local Cannabis Businesses
In our new op-ed for the Orange County Register, we discuss the recent situation in San Bernardino County, where over $1 million has been seized from state-licensed cannabis…
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Celebrating Black History Month
Since 1976, Americans have celebrated Black History Month every February, highlighting African American achievements and contributions to our nation. As Virginia Lieutenant Governor Winsome Sears recently wrote, “As…
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Our Essential Policy Ideas for 2022
Throughout our nearly 50 year history, ALEC has always been at the forefront of producing and exchanging ideas and will continue to provide principled solutions that benefit all Americans. Our…
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A Successful Northeastern Regional Tax and Economic Policy Academy
This week, ALEC hosted the Northeastern Regional Tax and Economic Policy Academy. This three-day event brought together state legislators from across the region to learn about pro-growth tax and fiscal…
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Unemployment Across the States: Looking Back at August 2021
The Bureau of Labor Statistics has just released its monthly findings for state-by-state unemployment. Here’s the highlight reel: The average unemployment rate among the states continues its downward trend…
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Taxing Times in Washington: What Every State Legislator Needs to Know
In our Nation’s Capital, there are unprecedented attempts are underway to remake America, with countless dangerous policy ideas being discussed. Unfortunately, many have not learned from the mistakes of the…
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A Great Week at the Great Lakes Tax and Economic Policy Academy
From August 18th – 20th, ALEC hosted the Great Lakes Regional Tax and Economic Policy Academy at Northwood University in Midland, Michigan. This three-day event brought together state legislators from across…