To: noterman@speedymail.org To view this email as a web page, go here. Chairs The Honorable George Allen and Susan Allen The Honorable Tom Davis and Mrs. Jeannemarie Devolites Davis The Honorable Newt Gingrich Dr. Art Laffer The Honorable Cathy McMorris Rodgers 2019 ALEC National Chair Senator Wayne Niederhauser 2018 ALEC National Chair Representative Jason Saine The Honorable Thom Tillis Gala Chairs Meredith Atwell Baker, CTIA – The Wireless Association Ken Cole, Pfizer Inc. Juanita Duggan, National Federation of Independent Business Michael D. Gallagher, Entertainment Software Association Richard S. Holson III, Guarantee Trust Life Insurance Laura Lane, United Parcel Service Committee Members Lou Barnett Josh Brown, Pfizer Inc. Travis Brown, Pelopidas Sam Brunelli Bill Carmichael, American Bail Coalition Marianne Eterno, Guarantee Trust Life Insurance Adam Falk, Charter Communications Ken Freeman, Exxon Mobil Corporation Marva Johnson, Charter Communications Jimmy Kemp Mike Kiely, United Parcel Service Kent Lassman, Competitive Enterprise Institute Bernie Marcus Garland McCoy, Technology Education Institute Bruce McRae, United Parcel Service Cleta Mitchell Steve Moore Michael Morgan, Koch Companies Public Sector Lisa B. Nelson, American Legislative Exchange Council Grover Norquist, Americans for Tax Reform Alfredo Ortiz, Job Creators Network Chirag Shah, Asian American Hotel Owners Association Dan Smith, Altria Bridgett Wagner, The Heritage Foundation Dear Members, Forty-five years ago, a group of state leaders came together to form the American Legislative Exchange Council--people like Lew Uhler, Lou Barnett, Mark Rhoads, Henry Hyde, Terry Branstad and John Engler. They knew then, as we know now, that legislators and members of the private sector working together can have a more meaningful impact and create more opportunity for Americans than the government can working alone. They understood that a grassroots network of liberty-minded advocates was fundamental to spreading good ideas, but they likely had no idea how important ALEC would become. For forty-five years, ALEC has been ahead of the curve on tax and fiscal policy, lawsuit reform, education choice, criminal justice and so many other issues fundamental to the American way of life. And, because of our focus on federalism rather than one-size-fits-all policy, ALEC has been able to put forth winning ideas--ideas that were more deeply vetted and more consistent with the will of the people. Over the past year, the federal government has taken great steps to return power to the states. Through landmark tax reform and rule making designed to reduce the size of the federal government, our national leaders have signalled that now is the time for states to lead. Just last night, the President offered a vision of a government that works hard to protect taxpayers and focuses on economic security for the middle class. Over the past year, that vision has become a reality with an $8 trillion increase in the stock market, 2.4 million new jobs, a record low for unemployment and businesses reinvesting in the states. The past two months of bonus and compensation announcements across the American business landscape confirm to the American people what we already know: sound policy that unburdens American entrepreneurs and businesses yields a positive outcome for all Americans. So as the 2018 legislative session heats up in your states, remember the ALEC mission and vision in all that you do. Limited government, free markets and federalism are a winning recipe for growth and opportunity. I hope you will join me in celebrating the ALEC 45th Anniversary both in Washington, DC on September 26, and in your state. Together, we can ensure ALEC continues it's ascendent path for another 45 years. Sincerely, Lisa B. Nelson Chief Executive Officer American Legislative Exchange Council The American Legislative Exhcange Council is the largest voluntary organization of