The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) released States That Work: A Labor Policy Roadmap Across America, a groundbreaking publication ranking all 50 states based on their commitment to worker freedom and pro-growth labor reforms. Arizona claims the top spot, earning recognition as the nation’s leading example of how principled labor policy fuels economic opportunity.
“Arizona has emerged as the model for what labor policy can look like in a free and prosperous society,” said Alan Jernigan, Manager of the ALEC Commerce, Insurance and Economic Development Task Force. “When a state tears down artificial barriers like licensing red tape or union release time, it invites growth, innovation, and mobility. That’s why more than 600,000 Americans packed up and moved to the Grand Canyon State in the last decade. They’re not just moving, they’re choosing freedom.”
Arizona’s first-place finish reflects years of legislative commitment to key pro-worker reforms. The state has eliminated union release time, maintained Right to Work protections, and led the way in overhauling occupational licensing—empowering individuals to pursue opportunity without being trapped by outdated mandates. These changes have positioned Arizona as a destination for talent, entrepreneurship, and economic growth.
“States That Work demonstrates how states that respect worker freedom are winning the race for talent and economic growth,” said ALEC CEO Lisa B. Nelson. “While some are embracing reforms that empower workers and attract businesses, others are doubling down on outdated mandates that drive prosperity away. This is more than a ranking, it’s a wake-up call for lawmakers who want their state to thrive in today’s economy.”
States That Work highlights how states like Alabama and Tennessee protect worker choice through secret ballot union elections, while Nebraska and Louisiana lead with Universal Recognition laws that cut red tape and expand access to good jobs. Meanwhile, states like New York and California remain stuck in the past, burdening workers with rigid mandates, inflated wage floors, and entrenched union favoritism.
With a comprehensive, 50-state analysis, the report provides lawmakers with a clear blueprint for modernizing labor laws and unleashing economic potential. It also empowers advocates and citizens with the tools to advance a future where every American is free to work, grow, and thrive—no matter where they live.
