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CPAC Foundation’s Center for Legislative Accountability has begun its yearly rating of the states with 2023 scorecards for the Idaho, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Alabama state legislatures. The state ratings, overall, analyze thousands of bills and the voting records of individual legislators in all fifty states to assess the role of conservative principles in state governments in the past year. The ratings so far show a mixed bag of wins and disappointments for freedom in the respective states. While Oklahoma and Idaho showed strong conservative leanings with their Republican legislators championing border security, education reform, election integrity, and more, Missouri yielded disappointing results as Senate Republicans failed to pass key conservative legislation that would have stopped DEI in its tracks and protected parental rights.  Similarly, Alabama legislators left room for improvement in the areas of election integrity, school choice, and use of government subsidies. The Republican average ratings for each chamber in these four states reflected these performances with Missouri’s and Alabama's averages hovering below 80%, but Idaho and Oklahoma Republican averages clocking in at 83, 84, 85, and 86%. As CPAC continues to release their state ratings, keep an eye out for your state and see the already released scorecards at CPAC.org.

Since CPAC joined forces with the Japanese Conservative Union in 2017 to host the first ever international CPAC in Tokyo, Japan, our international family has only continued to grow. In these six short years, CPAC has become a name associated, not just in America, but around the globe with freedom. We continued this role in 2023 by joining forces once again with our friends in Japan, Hungary, and Australia. These conferences showed the worldwide left-wing media and socialist bureaucrats in the UN, EU, and elsewhere that we will not stand for their globalist agenda but will fight to the end to preserve our liberty and cultures. We can’t wait to see this fight for freedom grow even stronger in 2024. Visit CPAC.org to stay up to date on all CPAC events.

In 2017, the Trump Administration FCC voted to roll back the “net neutrality” policy of the Obama Administration. This was met with a well-orchestrated propaganda machine spearheaded by world-renowned “tech experts” like Mark Ruffalo and Alyssa Milano. These large tech companies and celebrities peddled far-flung conspiracies about how such a policy would ruin the internet – saying Americans would have to pay by the page, by the post, or even by the letter. Despite such threats, rolling back net neutrality has resulted in American internet getting faster, less expensive, and more reliable. In fact, the US outperformed its peers in the greatest internet stress test to date – the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, the Biden Administration is intent on regulating every aspect of the American economy and has proposed bringing back net neutrality for vague “national security” reasons. The CPAC Foundation Center for Regulatory Freedom was happy to call the FCC out. In our comment, we explained that such a policy is outside the scope of the FCC, unneeded, and harmful to the American consumer.

As January unfolds, CPAC’s Center for Combating Human Trafficking turns its attention to National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. This time of year is dedicated to raising awareness about the continued challenges we face as innocent victims in this country continue to be forced into labor and sex trafficking. In the face of an estimated 27.6 million people subjected to trafficking worldwide, it is crucial for the public to be educated on the signs of trafficking and ensure resources are available to assist those caught in the cycle of abuse. As we reflect on the milestones achieved through our Center’s launch last year, we remain focused on our core values: supporting survivors, fostering cross collaboration with law enforcement leaders, holding traffickers accountable, and urging all of our partners in this movement to engage in the collective effort to eradicate this modern day form of slavery. Our work began with the screening premiere of the movie “Sound of Freedom” which highlighted the start of our Center and our commitment to inform and spread awareness to combatting this global issue of trafficking. Following the success of our launch, CPAC co-hosted an International Summit to End Human Trafficking on Capitol Hill, bringing together political leaders from the United States and Mexico to discuss the challenges facing our respective countries. Our Center was once again called to Congress in the subsequent weeks, this time to testify at the House Judiciary Committee at a hearing on Children are Not for Sale: Examining the Threat of Exploitation of Children in the U.S. and Abroad. During the hearing, our testimony focused on the hard truths of human trafficking from the dangers of our open southern border to the need to remove collateral consequences our criminal justice system places on victims. Moving into the new year, CPAC’s Center for Combating Human Trafficking is focused on serving as a beacon in this fight to keep communities safe by working tirelessly to empower survivors and collaborating with leading advocates and law enforcement partners. During Human Trafficking Prevention Month, let us heed the call to action every day, recognizing that collective awareness, advocacy, and community engagement are the key to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by human trafficking.

CPAC is ready to take on the leftists and socialists in 2024. This upcoming year will be crucial in American history to ensuring our country survives. In 2023, CPAC grew exponentially and has become one of the largest conservative grassroots organizations both nationally and internationally. CPAC DC 2023 united thousands of passionate, grassroots conservatives and featured hundreds of influential speakers capped off by remarks from President Donald Trump. We made a statement on the world stage this year as well with successful conferences with our friends in Hungary, Australia, and Japan. Back here at home, we were honored to participate in the premiere of blockbuster film, Sound of Freedom, this summer. We then answered the call of the film and launched the CPAC Foundation Center for Combating Human Trafficking where we now work to bring an end to human trafficking by raising awareness, collaborating with world leaders and legislators, and supporting survivors. Further, we established the CPAC Foundation Center for Regulatory Freedom to monitor and challenge the growth of the regulatory state and its burden on the American people, and our Center for Legislative Accountability kept elected officials in check with 8,000 ratings of every elected legislator in the country. We are also working on ending anti-Semitism and are at the forefront of protecting our children from the radical gender ideology. We couldn’t be prouder of the work we accomplished in 2023 but know that there is still plenty more work to be done in the fight to save America. We can’t wait to build on the success of the past year and hit the ground running this new year with CPAC DC 2024 in February. We wish you and yours many blessings in the year to come. Happy New Year!

Incredible victories were made the last two weeks as the Pennsylvania Legislature passed three criminal justice reform bills that our team has been committed to making law for years. Governor Josh Shapiro went on to sign these groundbreaking pieces of legislation into law. This signaled a greater commitment to public safety and accountability throughout the Commonwealth. These transformative bills include SB 838, which champions probation reform, HB 689, that focuses on expungement initiatives for those who have paid their debt to society, and the unanimous passage of HB 900, which provides for the dignity of women in prisons. Starting with Senate Bill 838, comprehensive probation reform, led by Senator Baker, helps improve the reintegration of incarcerated individuals into their communities. Nearly 100,000 individuals face extended periods and unnecessary incarceration for technical violations, such as missing appointments or crossing county lines for family or work obligations. SB 838 creates pathways for early termination of probation, incentivizes activities that are proven to reduce recidivism, and ensure personalized conditions that address real risks and needs. This creates a pathway toward success and moves away from a one-size fits all approach and toward a more individualized approach. Another crucial win for criminal justice reform in the state is House Bill 689, a Clean Slate Initiative, sponsored by Representatives Harris and Delozier. This new law ensures that Pennsylvanians who receive pardon will have their criminal records automatically expunged. This not only promotes the principles of rehabilitation and redemption but also eliminates unnecessary barriers for individuals seeking to rebuild their lives post-pardon. With a commitment to advancing policies that uphold justice and fairness, we applaud the passage of Clean Slate as a significant stride towards a more equitable and forgiving system after incarceration. Finally, House Bill 900, ensures Pennsylvania’s commitment to the humane treatment of women within its prisons. Representatives Cephas and Jones were pivotal to moving this legislation forward. This bill focuses on the well-being of pregnant and postpartum women in prison. It requires proper healthcare provisions such as addressing essential needs such as feminine hygiene or educating pregnant women on sustenance. It is not lost on us that 80% of women that come into prison have been sexually or domestically abused in some way. This is why the bill addresses these issues by requiring female correctional officers to be where female inmates are in a state of undress. ACUF’s Nolan Center for Justice celebrates all these legislative victories as meaningful progress towards a more accountable criminal justice system. We continue our advocacy efforts that prioritize public safety, fiscal responsibility, and human dignity.

Recent developments in the investment world have brought to light a concerning trend: the introduction of Natural Asset Companies (NACs). The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the Intrinsic Exchange Group (IEG) are pushing for NACs, ostensibly as a means to fight climate change and protect biodiversity. However, there's more than meets the eye, and it's crucial to understand why NACs are sparking widespread concern and opposition. What are NACs? NACs are proposed as a new kind of investment. They aim to manage, maintain, or restore lands (both public and private) to improve ecosystems. The twist? They put a dollar value on the resulting benefits, such as clean air or wildlife habitat. The concept is being reviewed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for potential listing on the NYSE. The Controversy Surrounding NACs Ownership of Nature: One of the core criticisms of NACs is the monetization of nature – essentially putting a price tag on elements of nature that should be free and accessible to all. This concept of monetizing public lands and their "ecological performance rights" is seen by many as overreach. Property Rights and Foreign Investment Concerns: There's anxiety that NACs could lead to stringent management restrictions on public lands and open doors to foreign investment on federal lands. Critics, including conservative lawmakers and property rights advocates, worry about the implications for national sovereignty and security. Questionable Viability: Doubts have been raised about the practical viability of these investments. The concern is whether the revenue generated through NACs can truly support conservation and restoration efforts while remaining profitable for investors. Potential Impact on Land Management: NACs could significantly alter the management of millions of acres of land, possibly restricting multiple uses and recreational activities. This shift in land management philosophy is seen as a move away from local control and traditional land-use practices. Carbon Credits and Environmental Impact: The SEC suggests that NACs could monetize ecosystem services by selling carbon credits. However, the effectiveness and transparency of carbon credits have been increasingly questioned, casting doubt on the environmental benefits of this approach. National Security Risks: There's a fear that NACs could enable foreign powers, potentially adversaries, to gain control over significant land resources in the U.S. This aspect raises alarms about the potential for intelligence gathering and other security risks. Conclusion: A Call for Caution and Community The push for NACs, while packaged as a sustainable and environmentally friendly initiative, raises critical questions about land ownership, management, and the true intentions behind these companies. It's essential to scrutinize these initiatives and ensure that they don't undermine local control, property rights, or national security under the guise of environmental stewardship. At its heart, the debate over NACs is about who should manage and benefit from natural resources. As we navigate these complex issues, it's crucial to remember that the best stewards of the land are often those closest to it. Local communities, not distant investors or foreign entities, are best positioned to care for and sustainably manage these precious natural assets. The Center for Regulatory Freedom will continue to monitor these proposals and, if given the opportunity, oppose them via the regulatory process.

We Are Not Enemies is a growing movement to counter the hate and anger prevalent in our country today with forgiveness and charity. The movement seeks to accomplish this through a community of prayer formed by individuals and prayer groups alike. You can participate simply by making a prayer pledge or by providing t-shirts, billboards, pins, and more to your prayer groups and friends to spread the word. Together, we can revive faith in America through this season of forgiveness. Join today at wearenotenemies.com.

“Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people; for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11) In tumultuous times such as these, when the future of our country and the world appears uncertain and neighbors are turned against one another, Christmas is a welcome and timely reminder to “be not afraid.” Amidst wars, hatred, and division, the birth of Christ is the light in the darkness that gives us reason to hope for a brighter future. We have reason to not only hope, but rejoice, with the knowledge that God sent His only Son into the world as one of us to redeem us. May we take this season of hope and joy to remember God’s love for us and in imitation of His divine example, strive to share His love with our neighbors. On behalf of the whole CPAC organization, have a blessed and Merry Christmas!

CPAC appreciates the freedoms and opportunities America affords in a way that few organizations in this country do today. As a board member and regular attendee of the national conferences, I see firsthand the work CPAC is carrying out every day to keep America thriving and free. My wife and I choose to support CPAC wholeheartedly because they not only share our values but most importantly, they are in the fight to defend them. They are taking action to save our country and give future generations opportunities to succeed. We are proud to be a part of this fight and to support as strong and patriotic an organization as CPAC.

Searching for that perfect last-minute gift? Fear not! There’s still time to surprise your loved one with tickets to the nation’s largest gathering of conservatives. Tickets are still available for CPAC DC February 21-24 and start at only $95 for a very limited time! They are an easy last-minute gift that your loved one will love, and thanks to electronic delivery, there’s no need to stress over shipping times. Tickets will be delivered directly to your phone via QR code! Explore all of the CPAC DC 2024 tickets today at CPAC.org/DC.

It’s not too late to check off your Christmas shopping list with tickets to CPAC DC 2024. While other gifts are too late to order, CPAC tickets are free of the hassle of shipping and handling. Surprise the conservatives in your life with the chance to join thousands of fellow patriots in protecting America now. Visit CPAC.org/DC for more information on all our ticket options and to take advantage of our limited time offer of General Admission tickets starting at just $95!