Biography
Ben Wilterdink directs the ALEC Task Force on Commerce, Insurance and Economic Development, where he coordinates the three annual ALEC meetings and connects policymakers with industry and policy experts. Ben also conducts research on issues ranging from labor and business regulations to financial services and transportation. The focus of his research and analysis is always on advancing the cause of economic freedom so that individuals can truly pursue their dreams and thrive.
Prior to his current role, Ben was the Research Manager for the Center for State Fiscal Reform at ALEC. Ben studied and wrote about policies that promote transparency and increase economic competitiveness at the state and local level. Some of his past research includes working on the annual ALEC publication Rich States, Poor States: State Economic Competitiveness Index; The Effect of State Taxes on Charitable Giving; Tax Cronyism: Favoritism and Foregone Growth; and various other ALEC publications.
Ben has testified on various tax and economic policy issues before a variety of state legislatures, and his writing has been featured in Forbes, RealClearPolicy, PublicSectorInc and many other publications.
When he’s not reading economic papers or planning meetings, Ben enjoys watching political and historical documentaries and discussing philosophy while sipping bourbon or scotch. He can also be found trying different coffee shops on his quest to find the best coffee in DC.
Authored Articles
Authored Publications
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Lessons from Kansas: A Behind the Scenes Look at America’s Most Discussed Tax Reform Effort
Positioned in the center of the United States, Kansas has often served as a stand-in for the preferences of non-coastal America. Perhaps this unique position is why a 2012 tax…
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State Factor: Charitable Giving
State Factor: The Effect of State Taxes on Charitable Giving According to the new report, The Effect of State Taxes on Charitable Giving the following states donated the most to charity…
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State Tax Cut Roundup: 2014 Legislative Session
Fourteen states cut cut taxes in the 2014 legislative year, with a trend of traditionally blue states cutting taxes, according to a new report by the Center for State Fiscal…
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The Unseen Costs of Tax Cronyism: Favoritism and Foregone Growth
In The Unseen Costs of Tax Cronyism: Favoritism and Foregone Growth, the authors provide an overview on the nature and extent of tax cronyism in states’ tax codes…