Let’s face it—Washington, D.C. doesn’t always know best. More and more states are stepping up to say, “Thanks, but we’ve got this.”
One group leading that charge is ALEC: the American Legislative Exchange Council.
ALEC has been around for over 50 years, quietly working behind the scenes with state lawmakers to craft real policy solutions—ones rooted in conservative values like free markets, federalism, and personal responsibility.
Their 2024 annual report is packed with examples of how they’re helping states push back against federal overreach and get serious about practical reform.
Let’s take a closer look at what they’re doing.
1. Standing Up to Washington’s Rule-Makers
One of the biggest changes in 2024 came after the Supreme Court’s Loper Bright decision.
That case ended a legal doctrine called “Chevron deference,” which basically told courts to give federal agencies the benefit of the doubt when interpreting laws.
Exciting? Maybe not to most – but it was a big deal.
Why? It let unelected federal agencies make their own rules, with very little pushback.
That’s not how representative government is supposed to work. ALEC responded by helping states take action to stop the same kind of deference in their own courts.
States like Idaho, Indiana, and Nebraska passed reforms making sure state agencies can’t just make up rules without accountability.
It’s all about making sure laws are made by lawmakers—not by career bureaucrats.
2. Keeping the Power On—and the Costs Down
Energy policy might not grab headlines like other issues, but it hits home every time we open the electric bill.
In 2024, ALEC supported efforts in Utah and Virginia to keep energy decisions local and affordable.
Utah passed the “Electric Generation Facility Closures and Reliability Act,” which basically lets the state fight back when the federal government tries to shut down power plants before replacements are ready. It’s a safeguard for reliability.
In Virginia, Governor Glenn Youngkin helped the state cut ties with California’s electric vehicle mandates.
Yes, you read that right—Virginia was following California’s rules.
ALEC backed the move to reclaim state control and give Virginians a say in their energy future.
These are smart, practical steps that prioritize local decision-making and affordable energy.
3. Putting Parents in the Driver’s Seat on Education
Here’s a question: Who should decide where your child goes to school?
ALEC says it should be you – well not specifically you, although you might have some good ideas – but the kid’s parents, you know?
And they’re not alone.
As of 2024, 12 states have passed universal education freedom laws. That means the funding follows the student, whether they attend public, private, homeschool, charter, or even micro-schools.
The idea is simple: Every child is different. One-size-fits-all education doesn’t work for everyone.
Why not give families the flexibility to choose what’s best?
Critics say school choice could hurt public schools, but ALEC argues the opposite—it creates competition, improves quality, and empowers families.
When parents have real options, schools have more reason to meet their needs.
4. Government That Works—for the People
ALEC isn’t just about fighting federal overreach. They’re also focused on making state government work better—leaner, smarter, and more accountable.
Through new coalitions like the Government Efficiency Coalition and the Judicial Deference Coalition, they’re helping lawmakers cut waste, streamline regulations, and protect constitutional checks and balances.
And they’re training the next generation, too.
From veterans’ justice reform to digital safety for kids, ALEC-backed policies aim to tackle real problems with practical, freedom-first solutions.
As CEO Lisa B. Nelson put it in the report, “This is no time for complacency.”
As for 2025:
“Looking ahead, our focus remains on:
Strengthening state-driven solutions that uphold constitutional principles
Empowering lawmakers to embrace bold reforms that promote opportunity and growth”
Whether it’s tax cuts, education reform, or defending state sovereignty, ALEC is helping states take the lead where Washington falls short.
Final Thoughts
Critics of ALEC often paint them as too cozy with business or too focused on conservative causes.
But here’s the thing—every political group has its priorities.
What sets ALEC apart is their focus on the states, where real people live, work, and vote.
They believe in putting power closer to the people—not in distant agencies or one-size-fits-all mandates.
In a time when trust in big government is near all-time lows, that sounds like a pretty reasonable place to start.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
