Governor Ducey Receives Thomas Jefferson Freedom Award

PHOENIX — Governor Doug Ducey received the Thomas Jefferson Freedom Award for his historic success in tax relief and universal access to a high-quality education.

The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) presented the governor with its highest honor Tuesday night at its States and Nation Policy Summit in Washington, D.C. 

“It’s an honor to be here tonight and humbling to be recognized with this very special award,” said Governor Ducey to a room of state legislators and private sector representatives from across the nation. “The people in this room tonight have safeguarded the ideals that Jefferson left our country, embodied in the phrase ‘We the People.’ For me, it’s so fitting to receive this recognition here at ALEC. The conservative policy victories we’ve accomplished in Arizona would only be possible with the leadership and courage of our Legislature.”

ALEC emboldens public and private sector leaders to come together to share policy success stories and develop state-based solutions.

“We are proud to present Governor Ducey this year with our highest honor in recognition of his significant contributions to the advancement of educational opportunity and tax relief in the state of Arizona,” said Lisa B. Nelson, ALEC’s chief executive. “For the past eight years, Arizona has been a laboratory for innovative and conservative policies, creating new opportunities and endless possibilities for its residents. We are proud that legislative leadership, including Senate President Karen Fann, Senator Vince Leach and Representative Ben Toma could play a role in Arizona’s success. At ALEC, we can only hope more states will see Arizona’s results under Governor Ducey’s leadership and follow suit.”

The Thomas Jefferson Award is given annually to a current or former public official who has established an exemplary record of advancing the fundamental Jeffersonian principles of free markets, limited government, federalism and individual liberty. Previous recipients include Presidents Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush, Senator George Allen, Secretary Dirk Kempthorne, Senator Zell Miller, Secretary Rick Perry and Governor Bobby Jindal.

“I’ve been fortunate to work alongside Governor Ducey and some very impressive Republican legislators to enact sensible, conservative legislation for all Arizonans,” said Arizona Senate President and ALEC President Karen Fann. “At ALEC, we’re dedicated to principles of limited government, free markets and federalism – all critical issues facing the states and nation. I’m proud that Arizona has been at the forefront of policy innovation to protect those principles.”

Governor Ducey delivered on his promise to not slow down during his last year in office. This year, Arizona unlocked 1.1 million K-12 students’ educational potential and the state’s historic flat tax package a full year ahead of schedule.

In July, the governor signed the most expansive school choice legislation in the nation, opening Empowerment Scholarship Accounts to every K-12 student in the state. Arizona’s successful effort to ensure every Arizona student can attend any school that best fits their unique needs has made it the gold standard for educational freedom in America.

In September, Governor Ducey announced the state’s record revenues and surging economy accelerated the implementation of Arizona’s 2.5 percent flat tax. The governor signed the historic tax package into law last year, further reducing and streamlining taxes for Arizonans while protecting small businesses from the threat of a 77 percent tax increase.

Earlier this year, ALEC recognized Arizona’s strong economy in its Rich States, Poor States report. The report ranked Arizona as the #1 state for economic performance in the last decade and placed the state in the top 3 for economic outlook.

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