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Schools Should Prioritize Great Teachers over Bureaucratic Bloat
What makes a great teacher? Whether it’s the history teacher who gives students a vivid window into the past or the quirky geometry teacher who practically worships Pythagoras, great teachers…
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ALEC-Influenced Free Speech Legislation Becomes Law in Louisiana
Louisiana recently took a step in the right direction to protect the First Amendment rights of individuals on public university and college campuses. Democrat Governor John Bel Edwards signed…
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Janus v. AFSCME: “Let Me Out”
In an upcoming US Supreme Court decision, Janus v. AFSCME will once again put the issue of union fees, as a condition of employment, back on the table. If Mark…
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Legislator of the Week: Indiana Representative Dale DeVon
This week, ALEC and FreedomWorks introduce Indiana State Representative Dale DeVon. Rep. DeVon was elected into the Indiana General Assembly in November 2012. He was born and raised in…
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Bold Tax Relief and Pension Reform Agenda Earns South Carolina Governor McMaster Best of the Best Recognition
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster is one of five U.S. governors with economic policy proposals qualifying as “Best of the Best” based on his 2018 State of the State address.
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Nebraska Passes Occupational Licensing Reform
In a refreshing spirit of bipartisanship, Democrats and Republicans have come together in support of occupational licensing reform. Earlier this year, the Nebraska legislature passed LB 299 nearly unanimously.
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Teacher Quality Assurance Act
Model Policy Section 1. Title. This model policy shall be known as the “Teacher Quality Employment Act” Section 2. Definitions. (A) As used in this chapter: (1) “Career employee” means…
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Student Futures Program Act
Model Policy Section 1. Title. This Act shall be known as the “Student Futures Program” Section 2. Definitions. (A) “Education provider” means: (1) {insert state} institution of higher education…
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Legislator of the Week: Tennessee State Senator Brian Kelsey
This Week, ALEC and FreedomWorks introduce Tennessee State Senator Brian Kelsey. Senator Kelsey represents District 31 including Cordova, East Memphis, and Germantown. He is chairman of the Senate Judiciary…
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Mexico’s Upcoming Presidential Election and Potential Implications for NAFTA
Mexico’s political history until the middle of the 1990s was dominated by elections that were won almost exclusively by a single party – the PRI (Institutional Revolutionary Party). In 1994,…
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Governor Walker’s State of the State: “Getting positive things done for the people of Wisconsin”
Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker delivered his 8th State of the State address in Madison, highlighting his “ambitious agenda” for the 2018 legislative session. Major areas of focus include education,…
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Legislator of the Week: Virginia Delegate Kathy Byron
This week, ALEC and FreedomWorks introduce Virginia Delegate Kathy Byron. Delegate Byron has been a member of the Virginia House of Delegates, representing the 22nd legislative district, since being…
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Trouble in Paradise: Hawaii Governor Ige Acknowledges Livability Concerns
The governor took note of several pressing concerns—energy, affordable housing, education, and income growth. However, many of his solutions threaten to aggravate the underlying problems.
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Louisiana State of the State: Governor’s Occupational Licensing Reform Proposal Could Generate Opportunity, but Support for Continued Cronyism and Excessive Spending Threaten Growth
Opening Louisiana’s 2018 regular session, Governor John Bel Edwards recently gave his third State of the State address. Jumping from the Medicaid expansion and tax policy to minimum wage and…
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North Dakota State of the State: A Hands-Off Approach Working for Economy
In his second State of the State Address, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum declared, “The State of the State is one of unlimited promise and potential, provided that we…
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Oklahoma State of the State: Governor Fallin Delivers Stern Tax and Spend Message
Despite early promise of being a bold reformer, the governor now zealously possesses the tax and spend mantle. And the spending extends beyond education. She promises a cornucopia of spending courtesy of the tax hikes on “initiatives that each of you are passionate about.”
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Minnesota State of the State
Governor Mark Dayton delivered his final State of the State address in a largely optimistic tone declaring, “Our number one priority should be tax fairness for individual Minnesotans and their…
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New Mexico State of the State: Governor Applauds Economic Diversification and Pushes for Comprehensive Tax Reform
The governor’s proposals for comprehensive tax reform, economic diversification, infrastructure spending prioritization, and education reform can generate longer-term opportunities. However, additional changes are needed. The state’s tort system and worker’s compensation costs remain economic drags. The relative lack of tax and expenditure limits and 8th highest number of state employees per capita contribute to a bloated state government.
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Wyoming State of the State: Fiscal Soundness Despite Setbacks in Energy Sector of Economy
Wyoming enjoys the 8th best economic outlook in the nation, according to Rich States, Poor States. This outlook has failed to translate into performance largely due to numerous macroeconomic factors and regulatory measures. The governor’s commitment to state regulatory reform, bureaucratic downsizing, and budget reform has resulted in the state weathering this storm with a strong balance sheet and low taxes. Rather than resort to higher taxes or centrally planned economic development, the continuation of a business-friendly climate is needed to incentivize further diversification and future growth of the economy.
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Utah State of the State: Acting Today with the Future in Mind
Even with the modest changes to property taxes and a possible increase in the gas tax, Utah’s overall pro-business status remains unrivaled. Economic growth and jobs growth over 10 years are 5th highest and 3rd highest, respectively. Perhaps Utah has indeed “become that shining city on a hill for our nation.”