State Policy Network

We talk about Durable Freedom Infrastructure all the time, but what is it?

If your goal is to strengthen your organization and advance meaningful policy solutions, SPN's Annual Meeting is where you need to be! With more than 100 sessions and participants from over 350 organizations, the SPN Annual Meeting is built to help you go further and move faster alongside peers across the country. Register now: spnam.org

The Thomas A. Roe Award honors leaders whose vision, courage, and leadership have advanced freedom in the states and strengthened the broader movement. This year, SPN is proud to recognize Robert Alt, president and CEO of @TheBuckeyeInst. Since taking the helm of The Buckeye Institute in 2012, Robert has helped build one of the nation’s most influential state-based think tanks, expanding its reach through policy research, legal leadership, and institution-building rooted in principle and long-term impact. His work reflects the same commitment to durable freedom that inspired SPN founder Thomas Roe. Congratulations, Robert! spn.org/robert-alt-202…

The Thomas A. Roe Award honors leaders who leave a lasting mark on the freedom movement. Watch why Robert Alt is this year’s recipient.

As America approaches its 250th anniversary, we reflect on the principles that have sustained our nation and the work ahead to preserve them. Read our latest Letter From the President: spn.org/spn-news-sprin…

Americans are feeling the squeeze. From groceries to housing to energy, affordability is the defining issue of 2026. Read how SPN is advancing solutions that lower costs: #The-Affordability-Agenda" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">spn.org/spn-news-sprin…

Millions of Americans rely on independent work to earn a living, build businesses, and support their families. When federal rules create uncertainty, those opportunities can quickly disappear. A coalition of 100 state leaders is urging Washington to take a clearer, more practical approach. Read more about what is at stake: spn.org/state-leaders-…

Behind every successful fundraising effort is a professional whose work often goes unrecognized. These are the individuals who guide strategy, build lasting donor relationships, and help organizations achieve results that would not be possible otherwise. Taking the time to recognize those contributions is more than a gesture. The Philanthropy Impact Award was created to highlight these individuals and bring visibility to the work that drives real progress. Honorees will be recognized during SPN’s 34th Annual Meeting in Orlando, offering a moment to celebrate excellence alongside peers from across the country. If someone comes to mind, this is your opportunity to ensure their work is acknowledged. Submit your nomination before May 27: spn.org/philanthropy-i…

Out of many, one. That idea continues to guide our work across all 50 states. Read the latest Letter From the President on why these principles still matter and how SPN is advancing them nationwide. spn.org/spn-news-sprin…

Lasting solutions start in the states, and the conversation begins in Orlando. Join over 1,500 plus policy experts, nonprofit leaders, and industry professionals at the SPN Annual Meeting, August 24 through 27, 2026. This is where ideas are exchanged, strategies are refined, and real progress takes shape. Register now and be part of what comes next: spnam.org

Millions of Americans rely on independent work to earn a living—setting their own schedules, choosing clients, and building businesses on their terms. Unclear federal rules can put that flexibility at risk. bit.ly/3OVXSvP @StatePolicy

When Minnesota’s fraud scandal made national headlines, it looked like a sudden revelation. But it wasn't. For years, the Center of the American Experiment(@MNThinkTank), an SPN affiliate, had been doing the slow work of investigative reporting. Tracking court filings. Following the money. Connecting the dots as the scope of the problem grew. By the time the rest of the country noticed, the groundwork had already been laid. The facts were documented. The story was undeniable. This is what long-term, state-based investigative work makes possible. Read how this work brought Minnesota’s fraud story to the nation: #how-american-experiment-brought-minnesotas-fraud-story-to-the-nation" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">spn.org/spn-news-sprin…

.@StatePolicy is hiring a virtual Senior Director of Foundation Relations to lead and scale foundation fundraising efforts. Ideal candidates are strategic, relational fundraisers with 10+ years of relevant experience. zurl.co/zRQYt #TalentMarketJob #LibertyJob

"Federal rules should make it easier, not harder, for independent work to thrive." 100 State Leaders Urge Washington to Protect Independent Work @StatePolicy @andrew_dunn buff.ly/6MFPVN6

Strong fundraising results are built by professionals who bring discipline, leadership, and consistency to their work. If someone in your network has made that kind of contribution, this is the time to recognize it. The SPN Philanthropy Impact Award highlights individuals whose efforts strengthen their organizations and elevate the field. Submit your nomination by May 27: spn.org/philanthropy-i…

Too often, great policy ideas stay in one state. SPN’s Social Welfare Working Group is changing that by turning proven solutions into nationwide reform. Read more: #state-policy-network-social-welfare-initiatives" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">spn.org/spn-news-sprin…

A smooth Annual Meeting experience starts with early planning. By subscribing to SPNAM updates, you can secure early registration access and take advantage of discounted hotel rates before availability becomes limited. Subscribe here: spn.us4.list-manage.com/subscribe

Congrats to Talent Market placement, Andrew Dunn, who recently started his new role as Manager of Content at @StatePolicy! 🎉 #talentmarketplacement #libertyjob

Independent work is a critical part of the American economy, supporting freelancers, small business owners, caregivers, and skilled professionals across a wide range of industries. For many, it offers flexibility, autonomy, and a path to entrepreneurship that traditional employment cannot provide. But that flexibility depends on clear and predictable rules. When federal policy blurs the line between employee and independent contractor, it creates uncertainty that discourages businesses from offering contract work and limits opportunities for workers. That is why 100 state leaders from 25 states have come together to urge Washington to adopt a clearer standard. Their message is direct. Federal rules should make it easier, not harder, for independent work to thrive. Read how this proposal could impact workers and businesses across the country: spn.org/state-leaders-…

What is your organization learning right now that others could benefit from? The Excellence in Research panel is designed to surface ideas, insights, and strategies that are driving real results across the network. If your team is testing new approaches or generating meaningful findings, this is an opportunity to share that work. Learn more and save the date for April 21: spn.org/excellence-in-…

This year, America turns 250. It is a moment to celebrate, but also to reflect. What has made this experiment in self-governance endure when so many others have failed? And what will it take to ensure the next 250 years remain grounded in the same principles? In our latest Letter From the President, we explore how the idea of E pluribus unum continues to shape the American story, and why a system that empowers states and citizens remains essential to preserving opportunity. At State Policy Network, that belief drives our work every day across all 50 states. Read the full letter: spn.org/spn-news-sprin…