State Leaders Gather in Denver at Pivotal Moment in History
ALEC Annual Meeting to Highlight Education Freedom, Energy Independence, Economic Opportunity and More
Denver, CO (July 24, 2024) – Today, the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) 51st Annual Meeting kicks off in Denver, Colorado and runs through Friday, July 26th. The premiere event for state legislators and business leaders will feature speakers that include three sitting and two former governors. At the conference, members of ALEC – the nation’s largest nonpartisan, voluntary membership organization of state legislators – will continue to develop trusted policy solutions to empower states and shape America’s future.
Attendees will hear from:
- Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds
- Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt
- Colorado Governor Jared Polis
- Dr. Arthur Laffer
- Former Texas Governor Rick Perry
- Former Arizona Governor Doug Ducey
- And more…
As the three-day conference unfolds, attendees will immerse themselves in workshops, plenary sessions, and task force meetings covering pressing issues from securing the southern border to the cutting-edge realm of artificial intelligence. They will grapple with ways to combat violent crime, enhance public safety, and discuss the impact of the Supreme Court’s recent Loper Bright decision, while also addressing the persistent challenge of inflation.
Members will also engage in spirited debate, thoughtful discussion, and decisive voting on draft model policies spanning education, health care, economic development, international relations, and more. A record 82 draft model policies were submitted by state legislators for the 51st ALEC Annual Meeting.
“Rather than relying on Washington, DC, the answers to our nation’s most pressing issues are going to be found in the states,” said Kansas Senate President and ALEC National Chair Ty Masterson. “Our members rely on our cutting-edge research and model policy development as a voice of reason in a world where reason is in short supply. I’m proud to serve this year as National Chair and delighted to see the Annual Meeting back in the West.”
The Annual Meeting will open and close with sessions on Universal Education Freedom, as twelve states – most recently Louisiana and Alabama – now make it possible for all parents and students to choose the education options that best fit their individual learning needs. There will also be a special panel on border security and a discussion on the Colorado economy with Presidential Medal of Freedom award winner Dr. Arthur Laffer and Colorado Governor Jared Polis. These plenary sessions will be livestreamed on the ALEC website.
“Every American deserves an efficient, effective, and accountable government that puts the people in control,” said ALEC CEO Lisa B. Nelson. “We’re thrilled to be back in Denver as members gather to exchange innovative ideas and develop real solutions for the business and economic issues facing the states so that all Americans can flourish again.”
GENERAL SESSION SPEAKERS WILL BE LIVESTREAMED HERE
WEDNESDAY, July 24th
Opening Session – 11:30am – 1:30pm
Speakers: Former Governor Doug Ducey (AZ), Center for Education Reform Founder & CEO Jeanne Allen; Will Hild (Consumers’ Research), Arkansas Representative Mindy McAlindon; Scott Rasmussen
THURSDAY, July 25th
Morning Session – 8:00am – 9:00am
Speakers: Senate President Ty Masterson (KS), Senator Phil King (TX), Leader Matt Hall (MI), ALEC CEO Lisa B. Nelson; Liberty Energy CEO Chris Wright
Afternoon Session – 12:30pm – 1:45pm
Speakers: Senator Julie Daniels (OK), Governor Kevin Stitt (OK); Leah Vukmir (National Taxpayers Union); Senator Phil King (TX), Representative Randy Fine (FL), Aryeh Lightstone (former Senior Advisor to the U.S. Ambassador for Israel), Shabbos Kestenbaum (Student at Harvard University)
FRIDAY, July 28th
Morning Session – 8:00am – 9:00am
Speakers: Dr. Arthur Laffer, Gov. Jared Polis (CO); Former Texas Governor Rick Perry
Closing Session – 12:30pm – 1:45pm
Speakers: Governor Kim Reynolds (IA), ALEC CEO Lisa B. Nelson