State Policy Network

Bonisiwe Shabane

-Dec 28, 2025, 6:33 PM

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…

To positively influence their states, think tanks must educate, inform, and engage people in their communities. Effective communication requires trust, so think tanks must be well run and have the highest standards if they want to earn the confidence of citizens and policymakers. State Policy Network works alongside affiliated state think tanks to foster high performance through training and peer mentoring in leadership, board management, staffing, compliance, ethics, stewardship, finance, operations, research, communications, public engagement, and issue... Explore survey data from State Policy Network here. State Policy Network’s vision is an America where all people can flourish because collaborative, entrepreneurial leaders have secured lasting social change, personal freedom, and economic opportunity at the state and local level. State Policy Network’s mission is to catalyze thriving, durable freedom movements in every state, anchored with high-performing independent think tanks.

Email contact available with a Pro subscription Legal name of organization: State Policy Network EIN for payable organization: 57-0952531 Research Institutes and/or Public Policy Analysis (S05) The State Policy Network (SPN) is an American nonprofit organization that serves as a network for conservative and libertarian think tanks focusing on state-level policy in the United States.[3][4][5] The network serves as a... SPN describes itself as a "professional service organization" for a network of state-level think tanks across the United States.[7][8][9] The president of SPN is Chris Dauer, formerly the chief operating officer of the Hoover...

The State Policy Network was founded in 1992 by Thomas A. Roe,[10] a South Carolina businessman who was a member of the board of trustees of The Heritage Foundation.[11] Roe told U.S. President Ronald Reagan that he thought each of the states needed something like the Heritage Foundation. Reagan's reply was "do something about it," which led Roe to establish the South Carolina Policy Council (SCPC).[12] SCPC adapted Heritage Foundation national policy recommendations, such as school choice and environmental deregulation, to the... SPN was an outgrowth of the Madison Group, a collection of state-level think tanks in South Carolina, Colorado, Illinois, and Michigan that had been meeting periodically at the Madison Hotel in Washington, D.C. Roe was chairman of the board of directors of SPN from its founding until his death in 2000.[14] Gary Palmer, co-founder and president of the conservative think tank the Alabama Policy Institute from 1989...

Initially, SPN's network consisted of fewer than 20 member organizations.[15] Lawrence Reed, the first president of the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, a Michigan-based free market think tank, fostered new state-level regular member organizations... State Policy Network’s vision is an America where all people can flourish because collaborative, entrepreneurial leaders have secured lasting social change, personal freedom, and economic opportunity at the state and local level. State Policy Network’s mission is to catalyze thriving, durable freedom movements in every state, anchored with high-performing independent think tanks. We believe the solution to what ails so many American communities is not more power in the hands of Washington elites, but a restoration of federalism; the individual rights and local governance that for... To accomplish our mission, State Policy Network supports the growth of a 50-state Network by: We do this by offering the following wraparound services:

Tennessee’s universal school choice law represents more than a decade of work by the Beacon Center of Tennessee. Every K-12 student in the state now has access to $7,300 for education expenses. It’s a major shift toward student-centered learning and an important milestone for families seeking better options. https://bit.ly/4iFAJYT This Christmas, we are grateful for the organizations and individuals across the country who work every day to build stronger states and improve the lives of families and communities. Your dedication continues to inspire us.

Wishing you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas and hopeful holiday season. Kansas taxpayers kept a critical protection in place this year. When legislators attempted to repeal the state’s Truth in Taxation law, the Kansas Policy Institute led a successful effort to preserve it. The law ensures transparent budgeting and prevents quiet tax increases. Learn more on our site. https://bit.ly/4pArBqG

Hawaii advanced several reforms to expand its housing supply. Following years of research and advocacy from the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, lawmakers approved changes to speed up permitting, expand ADUs, and update fee structures. These steps address one of the nation’s toughest housing markets. Learn more on our site. https://bit.ly/4pArBqG Five states expanded education freedom this year by passing universal school choice.

Tennessee, Texas, New Hampshire, Wyoming, and Idaho all approved programs that give families real control over their children’s education. These victories were made possible through years of work by SPN partners on research, outreach, and coalition building. https://bit.ly/4iFAJYT Promoting and protecting America’s democratic system. Bradley Area of Impact: Constitutional Order State Policy Network’s mission is to catalyze thriving, durable freedom movements in every state, anchored with high-performing, independent think tanks.

Founded in 1992 at the urging of Ronald Reagan, State Policy Network (SPN) is dedicated to improving the practical effectiveness of independent, nonprofit, market-oriented, state-focused think tanks. lts role is to incubate new ideas and build a strong network that enables affiliates to connect and accelerate the process of converting those ideas to reform. Its network includes 66 independent state think tank affiliates and over 80 associate partners. SPN works from the perspective that support for a free society comes from within communities, and that local networks and leaders are best-positioned to drive lasting change. With Bradley support, its primary activities include incubating and developing think tanks, connecting talented state leaders, and defending affiliates in the 50-state network with legal best practices and critical resources. SPN advances five priorities:

It’s the 12 Days of Ballotpedia! Your gift powers the trusted, unbiased information voters need heading into 2026. Donate now! State Policy Network is a 501(c)(3) national think tank network founded in 1992. According to its website, SPN "believe[s] the solution to what ails so many American communities is not more power in the hands of Washington elites, but a restoration of federalism."[1] The State Policy Network was originated as the Madison Group in 1986.

In 1992, State Policy Network was established. As of July 2025, SPN's website says their mission is "to catalyze thriving, durable freedom movements in every state, anchored with high-performing independent think tanks." As of July 2025, the following were listed as board members:[2] As of July 2025, State Policy Network's website said the following:[3]

State Policy Network

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State Policy Network Partners With State Leaders Across The Country

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The State Policy Network Was Founded In 1992 By Thomas