A 501(c)(3) Policy Institute · Est. MMXXVI
A Policy Institute for the States
Est. MMXXVI
The State Policy Lab
Part One
In today's political climate, a growing number of Americans are feeling unserved by their public officials. The increasing polarization at the national, state, and local levels has left many people feeling left behind by those who were elected to serve their constituents.
Only 17% of Americans trust the federal government to do what is right "always" or "most of the time."
This rings especially true in supermajority state governments, where polarization produces policy that caters to party purity tests rather than to the actual needs of residents. Year after year, the divide grows between what Americans need — and what they're getting from their government.
Part Two · The Opportunity
Amidst this challenge lies opportunity: a revival of the states as true laboratories of democracy — places where public policy can be precisely honed to meet the needs and desires of the public, instead of pressure cookers that reduce policy into partisan stone-throwing.
A phrase coined by Justice Louis D. Brandeis, 1932.
Part Three · Our Process
The State Policy Lab concentrates on the three areas that shape American life closest to home.
"A society truly grows great when its elders plant trees whose shade they will never sit under."
One of the primary responsibilities of the states under the 10th Amendment — a power to sow seeds of success, preparing every child to help build the world of tomorrow.
Read the pillar"A safe, stable community environment is the bedrock of our society."
Meaningful policy that gives communities real tools for public safety, revitalization, and services — not top-down mandates that erode local ability to keep people safe.
Read the pillar"People are tired of government picking winners and losers."
A level playing field that rewards hard work and merit — instead of perpetuating the divide between the "haves" and the "have-nots."
Read the pillarThe Policy Lab Approach
A disciplined three-step process that moves ideas from research to real impact in state legislatures.
National and international surveys of public policy uncover meaningful proposals that address our core focus areas.
State-specific study groups tailor each policy to meet the individual needs of that state's populace.
Policy is deployed through a network of dedicated public servants and community leaders.
Part Four · Roadmap
Our goal is full operations in three states by Year Three, focused on Southeastern and Midwestern states where the need is greatest. The model gets stronger the more states it reaches.
Year Zero
2022
Research, planning, and initial seed funding.
Year One
2023
Initial deployment in a home state; establish a relationship with at least one additional state.
Year Two
2024
Growth in the home state; deepening relationships in two additional states.
Year Three
2025
Full operations across three total states, with initial engagement in two more.