ALEC 2013: Jobs, Innovation and Opportunity in the States focuses on policies to get Americans back to work

WASHINGTON, Dec. 12, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) has unveiled its key legislative priorities for 2013 aimed at helping states achieve economic growth and create jobs. With unemployment remaining stubbornly high and most Americans worrying about pocketbook issues like jobs, retirement security and rising healthcare costs, ALEC 2013: Jobs, Innovation and Opportunity in the States focuses lawmakers on our nation's founding principles of limited government and free markets.

ALEC 2013: Jobs, Innovation and Opportunity in the States focuses on nine areas vital to a robust economy:

1. Limiting Taxes and the Growth of Big Government
2. Protecting Workers' Retirements
3. Harnessing America's Energy Resources and Reducing Costs
4. Cutting Red Tape and Eliminating Unnecessary Regulations
5. Economic Opportunity
6. Harnessing Innovation
7. Improving Education
8. Increasing Access to Health Care and Controlling Costs
9. Preventing Lawsuit Abuse

"I know firsthand the economic challenges facing state lawmakers across the country resulting from a stagnant and underperforming economy," said ALEC Chairman and Connecticut State Representative John Piscopo. "To truly effect change and get people back to work, states must take it upon themselves to embrace pro-growth and fiscally sound policies. We can't wait for Washington to lead the way."

Within the nine general issue areas are 25 pieces of legislation, a result of ALEC's model legislation process, which provides an effective, efficient way for lawmakers to advance policies in their states. This infographic explains the intricacies of that process in more detail.

"There are many groups set up in a similar manner that offer up their own version of model legislation, but ALEC is the only state-focused organization committed to advancing the principles of free market enterprise, limited government and federalism," said Ron Scheberle, ALEC's executive director.

For a full list of ALEC's reports, visit www.alec.org.

ALEC is a non-profit, nonpartisan association of over 2,000 state legislators that works to promote principles of free markets, limited government and federalism throughout the states.

SOURCE American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC)