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Center For Practical Federalism State Policy Network

Bonisiwe Shabane
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center for practical federalism state policy network

Staff | Related Media | American Habits | Federalism Scorecard SPN’s Center for Practical Federalism aims to educate the American public and policymakers on the benefits of federalism—a system of government where some authority belongs to the national government, and much more resides with... Federalism pushes power where it belongs, to citizens acting through their elected representatives, and it ensures that no one branch of government exerts too much power. Federalism also enables experimentation with policy solutions tailored to states and communities. When policy is local, it takes into account unique community conditions, is more easily influenced by everyday citizens, and thereby leads to better outcomes for more of the people it governs. What’s more, the diverse array of policies that inevitably result under federalism allow us to learn what works better than a single, top-down approach.

The Center for Practical Federalism is launching a number of initiatives to educate state and local officials, as well as interested citizens, about the need for preserving state and local governing authority against overreach... It will also offer training and resources for public officials interested in more effectively overseeing governmental agencies, thereby making them accountable to we the people. Our online publication, American Habits, shows readers—citizens and lawmakers alike—what is possible and what can be accomplished through local governance. SPN’s Center for Practical Federalism aims to educate the American public and policymakers on the benefits of federalism—a system of government where some authority belongs to the national government, and much more resides with... Federalism pushes power where it belongs, to citizens acting through their elected representatives, and it ensures that no one branch of government exerts too much power. Federalism also enables experimentation with policy solutions tailored to states and communities.

When policy is local, it takes into account unique community conditions, is more easily influenced by everyday citizens, and thereby leads to better outcomes for more of the people it governs. What’s more, the diverse array of policies that inevitably result under federalism allow us to learn what works better than a single, top-down approach. The Center for Practical Federalism is launching a number of initiatives to educate state and local officials, as well as interested citizens, about the need to preserve state and local governing authority against overreach... It will also offer training and resources for public officials interested in more effectively overseeing governmental agencies, thereby making them accountable to we the people. SPN’s Center for Practical Federalism was a 2023 nominee for the Gregor G. Peterson Prize in Venture Philanthropy.

American Habits, shows readers—citizens and lawmakers alike—what is possible and what can be accomplished through local governance. This special report prepared by the Center for Practical Federalism at State Policy Network is derived from a 50-state analysis of multiple variables—our Federalism Scorecard—that reveal the vulnerability of states to influence by federal... States that perform well on this Scorecard place authority over internal state agency operations, as well as the state’s relationship with federal agencies, in the hands of elected officials rather than unelected administrators. We include the extent to which state agencies are accountable to legislators in our analysis (rather than simply looking at state–federal relations), because federal agencies often exert power through their state counterparts. If elected officials don’t have visibility and oversight with regard to their own state’s agencies, in other words, they won’t be able to check federal influence over how their own laws and budgets are... The first set of variables assesses the extent to which elected representatives properly govern state agencies, and the second set assesses the extent to which those representatives have visibility and authority over their state’s...

This report draws its reform recommendations from the best laws in “red” and “blue” states alike, consistent with the principle that citizens ought to be governed by people they elect. Compare with the 2023 Federalism Scorecard For full explanations and footnotes please see the Federalism Scorecard State Policy Network partners with state leaders across the country to look beyond top-down mandates from Washington, DC and solve problems closer to home —where citizens have the greatest voice and where they can... SPN has 64 state-based affiliates and more than 110 national nonprofit partners in our network. We accelerate the success of these organizations by helping them build Durable Freedom Infrastructure, providing strategy support, targeted grants, leadership training, and importantly, intentional and frequent connections to their peers so they can test...

We also work with state and federal officials, equipping them with the tools and tactics they need to fight against federal overreach and defend the proper balance of power between DC and the states. While the news media often focuses its attention on DC, your everyday life is shaped by what’s happening in your neighborhood, your community, your city, and your state. Your healthcare, children’s education, public safety, housing affordability, and job opportunities are largely influenced by the policies made in state capitols. At the same time, state elected officials need trusted partners to provide policy recommendations that uphold the principles that have made this nation prosperous and free. Our Network affiliates are uniquely able to take on these challenges because they are grounded in their states, they know the political and policy landscape, and they act on behalf of their community, because... The latest state news, spotlights, and success stories from around the Network.

When energy prices rise, or the lights go out, most Americans look to Washington, DC, for answers. Federal policy matters a great deal. Congress, federal regulators, and national programs influence… The State Policy Network has launched the Center for Practical Federalism, which it describes as an initiative “to educate the American public and policymakers on the benefits of federalism.” Read more here. In an era where federal overreach seems to be the norm, the concept of federalism stands as a beacon of hope for many seeking a return to localized power and decision-making. In the latest Giving Ventures episode, Tony Woodlief of the State Policy Network’s Center for Practical Federalism shares insights into how states can reclaim their autonomy from an ever-expanding federal government.

Going beyond American civics and history, Tony dives deep into the practical tools and strategies available to state and local officials aiming to push back against federal encroachment and restore the balance of power... Tony Woodlief is a Senior Fellow at the State Policy Network’s Center for Practical Federalism and author of I, Citizen: A Blueprint for Reclaiming American Self-Governance. His work focuses on empowering state and local governments to reclaim authority and push back against federal overreach. The State Policy Network (SPN), through its Center for Practical Federalism, is pioneering efforts to empower states to reclaim authority from the federal government. Tony highlights the critical role of providing practical tools for state and local officials. These tools are designed to help officials identify and resist undue federal influence, particularly financial incentives that come with strings attached.

Tony stresses the importance of state autonomy, noting that “federal agencies often use guidance to do illegal rule-making that skirts all the usual transparency and scrutiny processes.” By advocating for a more informed and assertive approach, Tony’s work aims to illuminate the areas where federal agencies are improperly influencing state operations. This involves educating state officials about the nuances of federal guidance and encouraging them to challenge directives that lack statutory authority. Importantly, resisting federal encroachment helps states foster a culture of self-governance where they can make decisions best suited to their unique needs and circumstances. 🎙️ In this new episode of Neighbors in the Network, we sat down with Tony Woodlief, SPN's Senior Executive Vice President and Senior Fellow of SPN's Center for Practical Federalism, to explore the newly... Along the way, we discussed: ✔️ Why the media gets partisanship wrong ✔️ How federal agencies quietly control states ✔️ What YOU can do about it ✔️ Tony's path to leadership in the Network...

Tune in: https://lnkd.in/g5AGAxfF #StatePolicy #FederalismScorecard #NeighborsintheNetwork October 7, 2025State Policy Network’s Center for Practical Federalism found that the average state now relies on the federal government for 37% of its revenue, double what it was in 1990. Using the latest 2023 US Census Bureau data, authors Jennifer Butler and Tony Woodlief rank the states based on their reliance on federal dollars—revealing that Louisiana, Arizona, Missouri, Wyoming, and Alaska top the list,... As the federal government shutdown continues, the report underscores how vulnerable state budgets are to disruptions in federal funding. Butler and Woodlief note that with a shifting federal landscape and new restrictions on grants emerging, states that fail to plan ahead could face immense budgetary pressures. The average state received 37% of its revenue from Washington in 2023, nearly matching the highs of the pandemic stimulus years.

Join us in Nashville for an event with State Policy Network’s Senior Executive Vice President, Tony Woodlief. For the last few decades, the federal government has expanded in size and influence, dramatically shifting the balance of power between the states and Washington, DC. Join State Policy Network’s senior executive vice president and senior fellow for SPN’s Center for Practical Federalism, Tony Woodlief, as he shares why a return to the Founders’ vision of federalism is crucial to... Tony will delve into the practical implications of decentralizing power from the federal government back to the states and how the Center for Practical Federalism is working to empower state and local governments to... Harwood Salons – Nashville is made possible through the generosity of supporters like you. We encourage you to become a member or make a donation to support the American Institute for Economic Research and ensure the continuation of these important events.

All donations are tax-deductible and directly contribute to sustaining Harwood Salons – Nashville.

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Staff | Related Media | American Habits | Federalism Scorecard

Staff | Related Media | American Habits | Federalism Scorecard SPN’s Center for Practical Federalism aims to educate the American public and policymakers on the benefits of federalism—a system of government where some authority belongs to the national government, and much more resides with... Federalism pushes power where it belongs, to citizens acting through their elected representatives, and it...

The Center For Practical Federalism Is Launching A Number Of

The Center for Practical Federalism is launching a number of initiatives to educate state and local officials, as well as interested citizens, about the need for preserving state and local governing authority against overreach... It will also offer training and resources for public officials interested in more effectively overseeing governmental agencies, thereby making them accountable to we the ...

When Policy Is Local, It Takes Into Account Unique Community

When policy is local, it takes into account unique community conditions, is more easily influenced by everyday citizens, and thereby leads to better outcomes for more of the people it governs. What’s more, the diverse array of policies that inevitably result under federalism allow us to learn what works better than a single, top-down approach. The Center for Practical Federalism is launching a num...

American Habits, Shows Readers—citizens And Lawmakers Alike—what Is Possible And

American Habits, shows readers—citizens and lawmakers alike—what is possible and what can be accomplished through local governance. This special report prepared by the Center for Practical Federalism at State Policy Network is derived from a 50-state analysis of multiple variables—our Federalism Scorecard—that reveal the vulnerability of states to influence by federal... States that perform well o...

This Report Draws Its Reform Recommendations From The Best Laws

This report draws its reform recommendations from the best laws in “red” and “blue” states alike, consistent with the principle that citizens ought to be governed by people they elect. Compare with the 2023 Federalism Scorecard For full explanations and footnotes please see the Federalism Scorecard State Policy Network partners with state leaders across the country to look beyond top-down mandates...