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People spend far too much time looking just at the federal government. The same is true with podcasts. Instead, the discussions hosted on Across the States focus on state issues and state solutions within state capitols, by state legislators and with state policy experts. The American Legislative Ex…

American Legislative Exchange Council

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    • Apr 22, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 20m AVG DURATION
    • 166 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Across the States

    Identifying Bad Actors in Our Supply Chains: An ALEC Women's Leadership Episode

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2025 18:56


    Last month, as part of ALEC's Women's Leadership series, Brooklyn Roberts and I spoke with national security expert Dr. Meg Reiss about how states can defend themselves and the nation from People's Republic of China (PRC) influence, interference, and infiltration. Dr. Reiss served as former US Senator Mitt Romney's national security policy advisor and is a nonresident Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council, as well as a fellow at the National Security Institution at George Mason University. Dr. Reiss is also the founder and CEO of SolidIntel, a company that uses generative AI to derisk supply chains. Special Guest: Dr. Megan Reiss.

    Germany's Political Shift: An ALEC Women's Leadership Episode

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2025 22:43


    Germany's recent election saw an 82% voter turnout, with the CDU/CSU securing 28.5% and the right-wing AfD gaining 20.9%. Christiane von Czettritz und Neuhaus and Sibel Öztürk-Bastanoglu from the Hanns Seidel Foundation joined Karla Jones of ALEC to analyze the results. Voter dissatisfaction with the traffic light coalition stemmed from economic struggles, security concerns, and unpopular policies. CDU/CSU, under Friedrich Merz, is forming a coalition with the SPD, excluding the AfD and Die Linke. The new government prioritizes economic growth, migration management, and stronger defense policies, marking a shift from military restraint to greater geopolitical assertiveness. Special Guests: Christiane von Czettritz und Neuhaus and Sibel Öztürk-Bastanoglu.

    Civil Justice Reform in Georgia: Nino Marchese & Mark Behrens on ALEC TV

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2025 26:45


    Georgia's legislature, under Governor Brian Kemp's leadership, has unveiled a bold package of tort and civil litigation reforms aimed at addressing what many see as a growing crisis of lawsuit abuse. Mark Behrens, a longtime advisor to the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) and former chair of its Civil Justice Task Force, joined Nino Marchese on ALEC TV to discuss the implications of Senate Bills 68 and 69. Behrens, a staunch supporter of the reforms, sees them as a critical step toward balancing Georgia's legal system while boosting its economic prospects. Special Guest: Mark Behrens.

    States Grapple with AI Regulation Amid Rapid Innovation: Jake Morabito on ALEC TV Breakdown

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2025 19:23


    Jake Morabito, Senior Director of ALEC's Communications and Technology Task Force, breaks down how the states approached artificial intelligence, digital privacy, and more in 2024 and what to expect in 2025. Special Guest: Jake Morabito.

    Universal Education Freedom and Tax Cuts in Iowa: John Wills at the ALEC Annual Meeting in Denver

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2024 14:26


    At the 51st annual meeting of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) in Denver, Iowa Speaker Pro Tempore John Wills took a few minutes to sit down with ALEC TV to share the latest about his state's groundbreaking reforms in recent years. The conversation underscored Iowa's ambitious efforts to give families more control over their children's education and to simplify the tax code while spurring economic growth. #education #freedom #taxes Special Guest: Rep. John Wills.

    Surviving the Superminority in Illinois: Rep. John Cabello at the ALEC Annual Meeting

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2024 8:10


    Illinois State Representative John Cabello, a Republican serving as Assistant Minority Leader, spoke with Catherine Mortensen about the challenges of working in a superminority. Sometimes it's more about stopping the bad bills than passing the good ones. Special Guest: John Cabello.

    Finding Strength in ALEC with New Hampshire Rep. Jeanine Notter on ALEC TV

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 13, 2024 5:23


    During the 51st ALEC Annual Meeting in Denver, Colorado, New Hampshire State Representative Jeanine Notter shared her experiences and insights as a dedicated public servant. With 14 years of service, Nodder has faced numerous challenges, yet remains committed to her role, largely due to the support and motivation she receives from the ALEC community. Special Guest: Jeanine Notter .

    New Jersey Assemblyman Paul Kanitra Discusses Policy Challenges in the Garden State on ALEC TV

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 5, 2024 12:15


    New Jersey Assemblyman Paul Kanitra stood out as a representative from a state not often associated with the ideals of limited government, free markets, and federalism. Facing the unique challenges of New Jersey's political landscape, he maintains a commitment to pushing back against the policies he finds extreme. Special Guest: Paul Kanitra.

    Education Freedom with Mesha Mainor at the ALEC 51st Annual Meeting

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2024 5:56


    Georgia State Representative Mesha Mainor recently shared her insights at the 51st Annual Meeting of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) in Denver, Colorado. Marking her second year as an ALEC member, where she shared insights on critical issues affecting her community and discussed how the resources of ALEC are helping her address these challenges in Georgia. As a representative for the people of downtown Atlanta, she revels in the hope provided by the Georgia Promise Scholarship as she continues her commitment to advancing education freedom. Special Guest: Mesha Mainor.

    Border Crisis, Education Freedom, and Property Tax Reform with Texas Rep. Caroline Harris Davila at the 51st ALEC Annual Meeting

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2024 12:52


    At the 51st ALEC Annual Meeting in Denver, Texas Representative Caroline Harris Davila, the youngest Republican woman ever elected to the Texas State House, shared her insights on the more pressing issues facing the Lone Star State. From the ongoing border crisis to education reform and historic property tax cuts, Davila provided a window into the challenges facing one of the nation's most politically significant states. Special Guest: Caroline Harris Davila.

    States Face Fiscal Reckoning: Jonathan Williams & Lee Schalk on the Fiscal New Year

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2024 19:00


    Jonathan Williams, ALEC Executive Vice President of Policy and Chief Economist, and Lee Schalk, ALEC Vice President of Policy, recently examined the start of the new fiscal year. As 46 States Enter New Fiscal Year, most hope to avoid economic pitfalls lest they follow California's $170 Billion Budget swing into crippling debt. Special Guest: Jonathan Williams.

    Lost Children of Ukraine: Featuring Gillian Huebner, Karla Jones & Brooklyn Roberts

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2024 14:21


    Gillian Huebner, Executive Director of the Collaborative on Global Children's Issues at Georgetown University, spoke with Karla Jones & Brooklyn Roberts about the children who have been kidnapped and disappeared during Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Special Guest: Gillian Huebner.

    The Effect of Net Neutrality on America's Technology Landscape: Jake Morabito on ALEC Breakdown

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2024 13:34


    ALEC Communications & Technology Task Force Director Jake Morabito and Director of Policy Advancement and Media Relations Lars Dalseide discuss the reinstatement of net neutrality regulations by the Biden administration, which could harm the internet industry. Both suggest that limited government intervention in the internet and broadband industry is the solution, citing existing regulations addressing anti-competitive behavior and illegal activity. Special Guest: Jake Morabito.

    America's Energy Needs: Joe Trotter on ALEC Breakdown

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2024 14:34


    The Biden Administration's energy policy pose a clear threat to affordable and reliable power by revoking permits, denying access, and enriching our enemies. Joe Trotter, director of ALEC's Energy, Environment, and Agriculture Task Force, explains where things went haywire. Special Guest: Joe Trotter.

    The Threat to Property Rights & Title Insurance

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2024 13:46


    As part of ALEC's Women Leadership Series, ALEC Federalism & International Relations Task Force Senior Director Karla Jones and ALEC Health & Human Services Task Force Senior Director Brooklyn Roberts spoke with Elizabeth Blosser, VP of Government Affairs American Land Title Association about how President Biden's recent pledge threatens property rights, makes homeownership riskier, and undermines state law governing title insurance. Special Guest: Elizabeth Blosser.

    Tackling The Fentanyl Crisis & Supporting Families

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2024 28:37


    As part of ALEC's Women Leadership Series, ALEC Federalism & International Relations Task Force Senior Director Karla Jones and ALEC Health & Human Services Task Force Senior Director Brooklyn Roberts recently interviewed Deena Loudon, Ambassador at Shatterproof and Mother of Matthew Loudon, and Tina Marie Bell, Mother of Brandon Bell, about dealing with the loss of loved ones to the ongoing fentanyl crisis and emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to address the crisis. Special Guests: Deena Loudon and Tina Marie Bell.

    Supporting Ukraine in Its Fight for Democracy

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2024 35:35


    In this episode of ALEC's Women Leadership Series, Karla Jones, ALEC Federalism & International Relations Task Force Senior Director, and Brooklyn Roberts, ALEC Health & Human Services Task Force Senior Director, interview Dinara Gabibullaeva, Kiev City Council Member, Chairwoman of Solidarna Molod, and President of the European Democracy Network. Their conversation touched the ongoing challenges impacting Ukraine after the Russian invasion and how the Western world can help support Ukraine maintain its sovereignty. Special Guest: Dinara Gabibullaeva.

    Grappling With AI Regulation & Innovation: Jake Morabito on ALEC Breakdown

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2024 14:44


    Jake Morabito, ALEC Communications & Technology Task Force Director, sits down with Lars Dalseide discussing the challenges of regulating AI while balancing innovation and risk on this ALEC Breakdown. Special Guest: Jake Morabito.

    Tackling Human Trafficking & Supporting Survivors For Women's History Month

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2024 27:30


    Senior Director of ALEC's Health and Human Services Task Force Brooklyn Roberts & Senior Director of Federalism, Homeland Security and International Relations Karla Jones speak with Kansas State Representatives Carrie Barth and Rebecca Schmoe about Kansas' attempts to prevent and assist the victims of human smuggling. Special Guests: Carrie Barth and Rebecca Schmoe.

    Education Freedom and Policy Priorities: Andrew Handel on ALEC Breakdown

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2024 6:17


    Andrew Handel, ALEC Education and Workforce Development Task Force Director, sat down with Lars Dalseide, ALEC Director of Policy Advancement and Media Relations, talking about the recent model policies passed by the task force such as education freedom accounts, adult learning programs, and preserving freedom of speech. Handel also talked about building upon the education freedom movement based on ALEC's Essential Policy Solutions for 2024.

    Criminal and Civil Justice Policy Priorities: Nino Marchese on ALEC Breakdown

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2024 10:52


    Nino Marchese, director of both the Criminal Justice and Civil Justice Taskforces at ALEC, sits down with Lars Dalseide to discuss the essential policy solutions both taskforces are focusing on for 2024. Civil justice focuses on lawsuit reform, tort reform, regulatory reform, and donor privacy issues. On the other hand, criminal justice seeks to address the challenges faced by individuals caught in the criminal justice system. The aim is to help these individuals reintegrate into society rather than being trapped in a cycle of criminality. Balancing these two task forces can be challenging, as they require different perspectives and approaches. While they both fall under the domain of judiciary issues, the issues they tackle are unique. The role of the task force director is to keep their focus on separate tracks, even though these tracks are relevant to the judicial system as a whole.

    Michigan Should Follow Lead of Top Growing States: Jonathan Williams on ALEC Breakdown

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2024 11:20


    Jonathan Willams, ALEC Executive Vice President of Policy and Chief Economist, sits down with Lars Dalseide on ALEC Breakdown to talk about his recent Detroit News op-ed about the findings from Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer's Growing Michigan Together Council to address the state's slow population growth. Special Guest: Jonathan Williams.

    The Energy Affordability Report: Joe Trotter on ALEC Breakdown

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 26, 2023 20:50


    Joe Trotter, ALEC Energy, Environment, and Agriculture Task Force Director, sits down with Lars Dalseide, ALEC Director of Policy Advancement and Media Relations, talking about the 3rd edition of the Energy Affordability Report. Special Guest: Joe Trotter.

    What's Coming Up For ALEC In 2024: Jonathan Williams and Lee Schalk on ALEC Breakdown

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2023 12:15


    Jonathan Williams, ALEC Executive Vice President of Policy and Chief Economist, and Lee Schalk, ALEC Vice President of Policy, talk on ALEC's upcoming policy priorities in 2024 based on the latest essential policy solutions report on this ALEC breakdown. Special Guest: Jonathan Williams.

    Maui Fires & Restricting American Uranium with Joe Trotter

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2023 17:21


    Joe Trotter, ALEC's Energy, Environment and Agriculture Task Force Director, sits down with Lars Dalseide to discuss the probable causes of the fires in Maui and how President Biden's decision to designate one of America's richest uranium deposits as a national monument severely restricts the country's ability to become energy independent. Special Guest: Joe Trotter.

    How the Jones Act Impacts Maritime Commerce and National Security

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2023 30:00


    ALEC Federalism, Homeland Security & International Relations Task Force Senior Director Karla Jones sat down with Colin Grabow, Research Fellow at the CATO Institute Herbert A. Stiefel Center for Trade Policy Studies, to discuss The Jones Act and its implications on maritime commerce and national security. Special Guest: Colin Grabow.

    The Latest Threat to the Colorado Taxpayer's Bill of Rights

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2023 9:37


    An upcoming ballot measure in Colorado would allow massive expansion in government spending and weaken the Colorado Taxpayer's Bill of Rights (TABOR), the nation's strongest taxpayer protection. At the tail end of Colorado's legislative session, Governor Jared Polis signed a property tax bill that now requires voter approval. If approved, TABOR would be gutted in exchange for a small short term cut to property taxes. Known as Proposition HH, this proposal tempts voters with the promise of property tax cuts, while its real purpose is to water-down TABOR's revenue and spending limits. Ben Murrey, Director of Fiscal Policy at the Independence Institute described the package as a “boondoggle of a property tax plan.” According to The Center Square, it would decrease TABOR refunds by 23%. TABOR is the gold standard for tax and expenditure limits (TELs). Since its adoption by voters as a state constitutional amendment in 1992, it has helped to restrain the growth of government and returned billions of dollars to Colorado taxpayers. The attacks on TABOR aren't new. The property tax “cut” is only the latest gimmicky attempt to unleash the leviathan of big government on hard-working Coloradans. Special Guest: Nick Stark.

    His Excellency Marek Magierowski, Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to the US on the Ukraine War.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2023 27:47


    ALEC's Karla Jones speaks with His Excellency Marek Magierowski, Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to the United States. We are honored to share Karla Jones' thought-provoking conversation with His Excellency Marek Magierowski, the Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to the United States. Their conversation centers on the ongoing war in Ukraine, examining its impact from both a European and, more specifically, a Polish perspective. Poland's historical and geographical proximity to Ukraine has positioned it as a significant stakeholder in the region's stability. This conversation offered an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by Poland and its perspective on the situation. Special Guest: Marek Magierowski.

    Transparency in Health Care: Brooklyn Roberts Explains

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2023 5:01


    Know what you're paying when going to the hospital? What a medication cost? What an operation cost? If not then your state probably needs a little health care transparency. Lars Dalseide sits down with ALEC's Health and Human Services Task Force Director Brooklyn Roberts to discuss state actions being taken to promote price transparency for when patients are choosing their health care. Special Guest: Brooklyn Roberts.

    Artificial Intelligence Accountability: Jake Morabito Explores NTIA's AI Accountability Policy

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2023 6:01


    Jake Morabito, ALEC Communications and Technology Task Force Director, sat down with Lars Dalseide to discuss comments ALEC submitted to the National Telecommunications & Information Administration's (NTIA) proposed Artificial Intelligence (AI) Accountability Policy RFC. Special Guest: Jake Morabito.

    Canadian Wildfires Flood Eastern Seaboard with Smoke and Haze

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2023 8:16


    With smoky skies littering the eastern seaboard, the quality of Canada's forest management policies have come into question. Lars Dalseide sits down with ALEC's Energy, Environment, Agriculture Task Force Director Joe Trotter to discuss the current cloudy situation and how Canada could make better environmental choices. Special Guest: Joe Trotter.

    135: America's Continuing Baby Formula Crisis

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2023 29:58


    As part of Women's History Month, ALEC Senior Task Force Director Karla Jones sits down with one of the nation's foremost experts on international trade Gabriella Beaumont‐Smith of the Cato Institute's Herbert A. Stiefel Center for Trade Policy Studies. They look at the international trade aspects of the ongoing baby formula crisis in the United States. Data shows that there is enough supply of baby formula in the market, so why are parents still seeing empty shelves in stores? Jones and Beaumont-Smith also discuss barriers preventing American parents from freely buying infant formula from safe trading partners that most of us would consider safe such as Canada. Finally, they consider options state government have to ensure their citizens have access to baby food formula. Special Guest: Gabriella Beaumont-Smith.

    134: America's Fentanyl Overdose Epidemic

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2023 24:12


    How States are Creating Universal Education Freedom

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2023 43:33


    ALEC Education and Workforce Task Force Director Andrew Handel and ALEC Executive VP of Policy Jonathan Williams host a policy hour on the Education Freedom Moment in the United States. States are reimaging education in their states. ALEC is joined by Sen. Jim Dotson of Arkansas, Sen. Pat Rucker of West Virginia, Speaker Pro Tem. John Wills of Iowa and economist Steve Moore. They discuss universal education savings accounts and other sweeping reforms that are empowering students and their parents. Special Guests: Jonathan Williams, Rep. John Wills, Sen. Jim Dotson (AR), Sen. Pat Rucker, and Stephen Moore.

    132: Combating Human Trafficking

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2023 58:53


    In recognition of January as National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, ALEC's Commerce, Insurance, and Economic Development (CIED) Task Force hosted a webinar addressing this issue. Guest speakers from the American Hotel and Lodging Association, the National Beer Wholesalers Association, Summit Beverage, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce discussed ongoing efforts to help prevent and end human trafficking. • ALEC's 2022 Annual Meeting Plenary Session on Combating Human Trafficking https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFVg374UT00 • NBWA's Distributors Against Human Trafficking https://nbwa.org/initiative/distributors-against-human-trafficking/ • NBWA Human Trafficking Awareness Training Program https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/ • Sentinel Project Information https://mbwda.org/sentinel-project • AHLAF No Room for Trafficking program (includes a legislation overview) https://www.ahlafoundation.org/human-trafficking • AHLA Trafficking Prevention https://www.ahla.com/issue/human-trafficking-prevention • AHLAF-supported Anti-Human Trafficking Training modules https://www.ecpatusa.org/hotel-training • Chamber of Commerce Task Force to Eradicate Human Trafficking https://www.uschamber.com/major-initiative/task-force-to-eradicate-human-trafficking • Chamber of Commerce Anti-Human Trafficking Legislation Tracker https://www.uschamber.com/major-initiative/task-force-to-eradicate-human-trafficking/anti-human-trafficking-legislation-tracker • It's a Penalty Testimonial Videos https://itsapenalty.org/the-problem/

    131 How State Reforms Can Address Problems in Vision Care

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2023 13:06


    Join the American Optometric Association's Dr. William T. Reynolds and ALEC Senior Director of the ALEC Health and Human Services Task Force Brooklyn Roberts for a discussion on how states can play a critical role in addressing growing problems with vision plan providers. The American Optometric Association said too often vision plan providers are getting between patients and doctors and making it hard for patients to get the best care at the best price. Special Guest: Dr. William T. Reynolds, O.D..

    130: Anesthesiology w/ Mike MacKinnon, Jenny Schmitt and Brooklyn Roberts

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2022 38:46


    On this episode of Across the States, Matt Fisher sits down with Jenny Schmitt, an accomplished advocate for the Nurse Anesthesiology profession, and Mike MacKinnon, the CEO of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology. Together with ALEC's Director of Health and Human Services task force, Brooklyn Roberts, they discuss the significance of anesthetics and why it plays a critical role in healthcare.

    129: Liberalism and Free Speech on Campus

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2022 18:21


    Matt Fisher hosts a conversation between New York Post Columnist Rikki Schlatt, ALEC Education and Workplace Task Force Director Andrew Handel and Executive Director of Speech First Cherise Trump about free speech on campuses and the battle for the First Amendment in higher education.

    128: Charter Schools and Educational Freedom

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2022 30:53


    On this episode of Across the States, Matt Fisher hosts Will Estrada, the President of Parental Rights, to talk about school choice, charter schools, and the issues behind the discussion of educational freedom.

    127: What is Blockchain? w/ Leo Briceno

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2022 24:04


    If you've discussed cryptocurrencies or talked to people who work in the digital technologies space, “blockchain” is a term you've likely heard before. But what does it actually mean? Join Leo Briceno on this episode of Across the States as he interviews Yan Pritzker, the CTO of Swan Bitcoin and a blockchain expert, and Jonathon Hauenschildchild, ALEC's Communications and Technology Task Force Director, to learn the fundamentals of what blockchain actually is and how it works.

    126: How to Make America Safe Again w/ Sheriff Lew Evangelidis

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2022 23:45


    Criminal justice reform is an issue of growing national importance. Join Nino Marchese, ALEC Task Force Director for Civil and Criminal, and Catherine Mortensen as they sit down with Lew Evangelidis, Sheriff of Worcester County, Massachusetts, who is making his community safe again by reforming his jail and holding people accountable by following the motto "There is no dignity in dependence." YouTube Video of Podcast (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdoVe_PhXwU)

    125: Twitter, Musk, and the Feds w/ Harmeet Dhillon and Jonathon Hauenschild

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2022 33:49


    The recent acquisition of social media giant Twitter by Elon Musk has sparked vigorous debate. Joining Across the States to discuss what Musk's purchase of Twitter means and how governments have been pressuring social media companies to remove content is Harmeet Dhillon, CEO of the Center for American Liberty and long-time civil rights and free speech attorney, and Jonathon Hauenschild, Director of the ALEC Task Force on Communications and Technology Task Force. Video Version of the Podcast, YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LZyw4tPoZU)

    124: Why are Some States Rich and Some States Poor w/ Jonathan Williams and Lee Schalk

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2022 23:41


    The American Legislative Exchange Council's Chief Economist Jonathan Williams unveils the 2022 Rich States, Poor States annual ranking of states based on how well they are governed. How does your state rank? Video edition of podcast: Why are Some States Rich and Some States Poor (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvvunbGAWn8) Rich States, Poor States website (https://www.richstatespoorstates.org/)

    123: Runaway Inflation w/ Lee Schalk and Joe Trotter

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2022 16:45


    Inflation reached record heights in March as prices soared by 8.5%. With working families paying more for gas and groceries, Lee Schalk, Vice President of Policy at ALEC, and Joe Trotter, Director of Energy, Environment, and Agriculture Task Force, joined ALECtv and Across the States to discuss this latest development with Matt Fisher and Catherine Mortensen. Video Version of Today's Podcast, Runaway Inflation w/ Lee Schalk and Joe Trotter (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rw60UoroWHo) The Wall Street Journal, U.S. Inflation Accelerated to 8.5% in March, Hitting Four-Decade High (https://www.wsj.com/articles/us-inflation-consumer-price-index-march-2022-11649725215#:~:text=U.S.%20inflation%20surged%20to%20a,constraints%20and%20strong%20consumer%20demand.)

    122: ALECtv: Parents Flip School Board Demanding Transparency and Accountability w/ Matthew Phipps, Matthew Spaulding, and Tony Vlastelica

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2022 30:36


    Results from the recent school board elections across Wisconsin sent a strong message to elected officials that parent empowerment matters. Joining Bill Ashworth and Catherine Mortensen on ALECtv and Across the States this week are three individuals who won seats on their respective school boards in Wisconsin, Matthew Phipps, Matthew Spaulding, and Tony Vlastelica, about what inspired them to get involved and run. Link to ALECtv Video Version of Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtqECQ5RcHI

    121: Grading the Governors w/ Jonathan Williams and Lee Schalk

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2022 26:38


    Last week, the American Legislative Exchange Council released the second edition of the 2021 Laffer-ALEC Report on Economic Freedom, Grading America's Governors. Jonathan Williams, ALEC Chief Economist and Executive Vice President of Policy, and Lee Schalk, Vice President of Policy, joined Matthew Fisher to break down the best and worst governors of America, what the report measures, and highlight the work governors and statehouses are doing in 2022. 2021 Laffer-ALEC Report on Economic Freedom, Grading America's Governors Report: https://alec.org/publication/2021-laffer-alec-report-on-economic-freedom-grading-americas-governors/ Rank Your Governor and Compare it at: https://www.rankmygovernor.org/

    120: Meeting the Challenges for Agriculture in 2022 w/ Rep. Phil Green

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2022 18:10


    The Russian invasion of Ukraine combined with regulations at the state and federal level have presented a myriad of challenges for rural Americans and the agriculture industry. Join Matthew Fisher and Joe Trotter, Director of the ALEC Task Force on Energy, Environment, and Agriculture, as they sit down with Phil Green, Representative from Michigan's 84th District and Chair of the ALEC Subcommittee on Agriculture, to discuss the potential of food shortages, job losses, and more. The Crisis in Ukraine Has Major Implications for the Agricultural Sector and Global Food Security (https://alec.org/article/the-crisis-in-ukraine-has-major-implications-for-the-agricultural-sector-and-global-food-security/), by Karla Jones and Joe Trotter Learn more about the Russian invasion of Ukraine with our two part series Ukraine: On the Frontlines in Kyiv Part w/ Mykola Vorobiov and Karla Jones: Part I (https://podcast.alec.org/118) Part II (https://podcast.alec.org/119)

    119: Ukraine: On the Frontlines in Kyiv Part II w/ Mykola Vorobiov and Karla Jones

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2022 26:38


    In the second of a two-part Across the States special on the War in Ukraine, Mykola Vorobiov, Austrian Marshall Plan Foundation Fellow & Journalist based in Kyiv, Ukraine, sat down for another interview on March 15, 2022, with Karla Jones, Sr. Director of the ALEC Task Force on International Relations and Federalism offers his eyewitness testimony on the situation on the ground in Ukraine as Ukrainians resist the Russian invasion and describes what Ukraine/Russia peace negotiations might look like. Mykola expresses gratitude to the US for our assistance and his opinion of Zelenskyy has evolved from cautious skepticism of the neophyte politician's ability to command a nation at war in Part I to describing him as “The leader of the free world!” in Part II. Link to Part I of Ukraine: On the Frontlines in Kyiv (https://podcast.alec.org/118) Mykola Vorobiov Twitter: @komitet2012 (https://twitter.com/komitet2012) Other Links: ALEC Statement (https://alec.org/article/alec-statement-on-the-russian-invasion-of-ukraine/) on the Russian Invasion of Ukraine Ukraine Policy Hour and Podcast Featuring Cong. Victoria Spartz, Chris Holzen (IRI), Alan Mendoza (Henry Jackson Society, a British national security think tank), Damon Wilson (NED) and diplomats from Estonia and Ukraine Policy Hour Video to Policy Hour (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZaRFwGXI05w) Across the States Podcast Episode from Policy Hour (https://podcast.alec.org/114) Link (https://thehill.com/opinion/international/594119-putins-ukraine-gambit-unites-western-democracies-he-sought-to-divide) to ALEC Article on Ukraine op-ed in the Hill Garry Kasparov Quote on NATO and Ukraine toward the end of the podcast “NATO leaders have all the weapons and no courage and Zelenskyy has courage and not enough weapons.” (https://mobile.twitter.com/Kasparov63/status/1497317332837937152) ALEC Model Policies Resolution (https://alec.org/model-policy/draft-resolution-supporting-the-united-states-commitment-to-the-north-atlantic-treaty-organization-nato-during-the-year-the-alliance-celebrates-its-70th-anniversary/) Commemorating NATO's 70th Anniversary Victims of Communism (https://alec.org/model-policy/draft-victims-of-communism-memorial-day-resolution/) Memorial Day Resolution CORRECTION: Quote from anti-Communist Ukrainian Leader Stepan Bandera (erroneously attributed to Winston Churchill) toward the end of the podcast “When the people choose bread between bread and freedom, they eventually lose everything including bread. If the people choose freedom, they will have bread grown by themselves and not taken away by anyone.”

    118: Ukraine: On the Frontlines in Kyiv Part I w/ Mykola Vorobiov and Karla Jones

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2022 36:27


    The ongoing war of Russian aggression against Ukraine has demonstrated the brutality of Vladimir Putin and the heroism of the Ukrainian people. In in the first of a two-part special by Across the States on the war in Ukraine, Mykola Vorobiov, Austrian Marshall Plan Foundation Fellow & Journalist based in Kyiv, Ukraine, joined Karla Jones, Sr. Director of the ALEC Task Force on International Relations and Federalism, on February 22, 2022. Mykola gives us a picture of life in Ukraine during the days leading up to the invasion, some helpful background on how we got to the edge of war and his predictions on the impact the impending conflict might have on his nation. Link to Part II of Ukraine: On the Frontlines in Kyiv: (https://podcast.alec.org/119) Mykola Vorobiov Twitter: @komitet2012 (https://twitter.com/komitet2012) Other Links ALEC Statement (https://alec.org/article/alec-statement-on-the-russian-invasion-of-ukraine/) on the Russian Invasion of Ukraine Ukraine Policy Hour and Podcast Featuring Cong. Victoria Spartz, Chris Holzen (IRI), Alan Mendoza (Henry Jackson Society, a British national security think tank), Damon Wilson (NED) and diplomats from Estonia and Ukraine Policy Hour Video to Policy Hour (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZaRFwGXI05w) Across the States Podcast Episode from Policy Hour (https://podcast.alec.org/114) Link (https://thehill.com/opinion/international/594119-putins-ukraine-gambit-unites-western-democracies-he-sought-to-divide) to ALEC Article on Ukraine op-ed in the Hill Atlantic Council Article (https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/ukrainealert/how-modern-ukraine-was-made-on-maidan/) on the Orange Revolution referenced during the podcast Atlantic Council Article (https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/new-atlanticist/the-yalta-conference-at-seventy-five-lessons-from-history/) on Yalta referenced during the podcast ALEC Model Policies Resolution (https://alec.org/model-policy/draft-resolution-supporting-the-united-states-commitment-to-the-north-atlantic-treaty-organization-nato-during-the-year-the-alliance-celebrates-its-70th-anniversary/) Commemorating NATO's 70th Anniversary Victims of Communism (https://alec.org/model-policy/draft-victims-of-communism-memorial-day-resolution/) Memorial Day Resolution

    117: CPAC 2022 Interview with John Cardillo

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2022 10:53


    At CPAC 2022 in Orlando, Florida, John Cardillo, conservative commentator, sat down for an interview with Matt Fisher at the ALEC booth to discuss a variety of issues pertaining to the Russian invasion of Ukraine and more.

    116: Small Business Reform with State Legislator of the Month Rep. John Wills

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2022 16:43


    Small businesses are responsible for more than 60% of all new jobs created in the United States. In Iowa, Representative John Wills is leading the charge to invest in the entrepreneurs, home-based businesses, and cottage industries who make up the backbone of our economy. On today's episode of Across the States, ALEC's February State Legislator of the Month and Board of Directors member Representative Wills joins Gretchen Baldau, Director of the Commerce, Insurance, and Economic Development Task Force at ALEC, and Matt Fisher to discuss his efforts in the state legislature in Des Moines to support small businesses and deliver results for constituents. Related ALEC Resources Off to Work from Home: Lifting Restrictions on Home-Based Businesses (https://alec.org/article/off-to-work-from-home-lifting-restrictions-on-home-based-businesses/) Home-Based Business Fairness Act (https://alec.org/model-policy/the-home-based-business-fairness-act/) Food Freedom Act (https://alec.org/model-policy/food-freedom-act/)

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