State Policy Network is pleased to announce the finalists for the 2025 Bob Williams Awards for Outstanding Policy Achievement. The Bob Williams Awards celebrate SPN affiliates doing exceptional work to help states implement free-market solutions that have a lasting national impact. The awards are named in honor of our Network’s most iconic policy maven, Bob Williams.
Winners of this year’s award will be selected by their peers — all 2025 SPN Annual Meeting registrants are invited to submit their vote for their top finalist in each category. Winners will be announced during the annual Celebration of Success Awards Dinner at SPN’s 33rd Annual Meeting on August 27, 2025.
Voting for the 2025 Bob Williams Awards is now open and will close at 11:59pm EST on July 10.
You can learn more about SPN Annual Meeting and register here.
Jump to a category:
- Most Influential Research Finalists
- Best Issue Campaign Finalists
- Best State-Based Litigation Finalists
- Biggest Home State Win Finalists
- Biggest Win for Freedom Finalists
Most Influential Research Finalists
Recognizes the organization whose original research achieved a high level of influence in academia, media, or policy-making arenas.
Iowans for Tax Relief – Shining Light on Education Spending and Waste
In response to Iowa’s alarming 2024 NAEP scores—showing 71 percent of fourth graders below proficient in reading and 73 percent of eighth graders in math—Iowans for Tax Relief launched the ITR Report Card, an interactive web platform offering fiscal and academic data for all 327 school districts. Despite $3 billion in annual school property taxes and additional state aid, student outcomes remain stagnant. Recognizing that universal school choice alone wouldn’t help students remaining in public schools, ITR created a tool to empower local decision-makers with transparent, accessible data. Key insights revealed only 47.7 percent of budgets go to instruction (well below the national benchmark), spending per student has risen nearly 20 percent in five years, and chronic absenteeism averages over 21 percent. Many school board members, previously reliant on administrators, now have the independent data needed to make informed decisions. The ITR Report Card shifts education advocacy from static reports to real-time engagement—sparking accountability, informing reform, and putting power back in the hands of parents and local leaders.
Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty – What Would a Repeal of Act 10 Cost You?
To defend Act 10, Wisconsin’s landmark 2011 Budget Repair Bill, from potential repeal, the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty gathered and analyzed a decade of school district and local government spending data. The research showed that Act 10 delivered billions in taxpayer savings by curbing public-sector salary and benefit costs. With a newly liberal state Supreme Court posing a threat to the law, the campaign sought to make Act 10’s impact personal and urgent. Key findings revealed that repeal would cost public school districts $1.788 billion annually, reduce local budget flexibility, and force difficult choices such as service cuts or tax hikes. A typical district could face $2.2 million in added costs, potentially raising property taxes by $624 per homeowner. The campaign’s calculator tool helps taxpayers, school leaders, and policymakers see these impacts in real time. By translating abstract policy into pocketbook consequences, the effort strengthens the case for preserving one of Wisconsin’s most influential reforms.
Institute for Reforming Government – Immigration Crisis in Wisconsin: A Case Study in Whitewater
In June 2024, the Institute for Reforming Government (IRG) released The Immigration Crisis in Wisconsin: A Case Study in Whitewater, a groundbreaking report revealing how surging undocumented immigration is reshaping small-town life in the Midwest. Through open records requests and local interviews, IRG uncovered sharp demographic shifts, strained school and emergency services, rising crime, and a lack of transparency from state officials. The report found that over one-third of Whitewater students now require English Learner services, nonprofits are overwhelmed by housing needs, and local law enforcement faces increased gang and drug activity. Communications revealed Governor Evers’ administration urged local leaders to keep migrant-related meetings “out of the press,” exposing a troubling lack of accountability. Conducted by IRG’s Center for Investigative Oversight, the report reframed the immigration debate by spotlighting the burden on heartland communities far from the border. It has since become a model for similar research, expanding IRG’s influence in national policy discussions.
Best Issue Campaign Finalists
Recognizes the organization that ran the highest quality issue education campaign towards achieving a policy win.
Opportunity Arkansas – Saving Education Freedom in Arkansas
The misleadingly named “Educational Rights Amendment,” a proposed ballot initiative, threatened to end education freedom, expand welfare without funding, and undermine religious liberty in Arkansas. While the initiative was initially under the radar, Opportunity Arkansas quickly launched a campaign to expose its dangers before it gained momentum. Within days, the team developed a strategic plan, created the “For AR Families sub-brand,” produced shareable explainer videos, conducted messaging polling, and engaged media statewide to inform voters. The campaign reached hundreds of thousands through earned media, direct mail, and a comprehensive digital strategy, while equipping partners and parents with resources to push back. Opportunity Arkansas also uncovered deceptive signature-gathering tactics, prompting public outcry and halting these efforts. As a result of their fast thinking, the amendment’s sponsors failed to gather enough signatures to qualify for the ballot, protecting Arkansas families and preserving education freedom in the state.
Alabama Policy Institute – Implementing the CHOOSE Act
After passing universal school choice in 2024, Alabama Policy Institute (API) led a powerful campaign to transform the state’s CHOOSE Act from a promise into a reality. Starting with a $100 million floor—enough for just 14,000 students—API launched a yearlong, multi-channel campaign to ensure every eligible child could access educational freedom. Using storytelling, dynamic billboards, geofencing, targeted ads, radio, op-eds, and grassroots mobilization, API built momentum across diverse communities, resulting in 36,873 student applications. Their strategic pressure on lawmakers paid off, nearly doubling the program’s funding by securing an additional $85 million, allowing over 36,000 students to participate in Alabama’s universal school choice program. API’s work turned Alabama’s school choice program from underfunded to a national model for advancing educational freedom.
Center of the American Experiment – End the Government Shutdown
The 2024 elections in Minnesota brought a divided House with 67 Republicans to 67 Democrats. But the balance shifted when it was discovered that a Democratic representative had violated residency requirements, leading to a successful election contest that removed him from office. This gave Republicans a temporary 67-66 majority and importantly, the ability to choose the permanent House Speaker. Determined to block these efforts, Democrats chose to boycott the session entirely, denying a quorum and shutting down the state government.
In response, Center of the American Experiment launched its “End the Government Shutdown” campaign, mobilizing citizens through emails, social media, and targeted ads. After inspiring more than 20,000 citizens to contact their legislators, the campaign pressured Democrats to return after 23 days. Their return allowed Republicans to elect a speaker and form a highly sought anti-fraud committee. Using data from American Experiment’s Scandal Tracker, the committee immediately began addressing Minnesota’s $661 million fraud crisis. This victory shows how citizen action can break gridlock and advance transparency, even in tough political environments like that of Minnesota.
Best State-Based Litigation Finalists
Recognizes litigative efforts at the state and local level, which help to advance the cause of free markets and federalism.
Upper Midwest Law Center – Fighting for the First Amendment in Schools
The Upper Midwest Law Center has achieved a groundbreaking First Amendment victory that will transform public education across the Eighth Circuit. In Cajune v. Independent School District 194, the federal appeals court ruled that schools cannot selectively permit certain political messages while banning opposing viewpoints—a practice affecting millions of students in Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas, Nebraska, and the Dakotas.
This four-year legal battle culminated when Lakeville School District was forced to remove all political posters and restore classroom neutrality after the court rejected their “government speech” defense. The precedent now prevents school districts from using taxpayer-funded institutions to promote partisan agendas while silencing dissenting voices.
With schools required to “make school school again,” this victory redirects precious educational resources from political indoctrination back to actual learning, empowering parents and students throughout the region with enforceable constitutional protections against viewpoint discrimination.
Beacon Center of Tennessee – Ending Nashville’s Stormwater Capacity Fee
The Beacon Center of Tennessee delivered a crushing blow to government overreach with a landmark class action lawsuit that forced Nashville to abandon its illegal stormwater fee and pay back over $1.4 million to 361 wrongfully charged homeowners. This groundbreaking victory came just days after filing—Nashville didn’t even attempt to defend the unconstitutional scheme.
The city’s predatory fee targeted families simply trying to build or improve their homes, charging $0.71 per square foot while forcing property owners to fund infrastructure that should be paid by the public. One client was hit with over $6,000 just to expand his home for his growing family.
This decisive legal triumph sends shockwaves through Tennessee’s local governments, warning them against similar unconstitutional money grabs that drive up housing costs. The settlement not only delivers justice to hundreds of families but establishes a powerful precedent that protects property rights and makes housing more affordable for all Tennesseans.
Liberty Justice Center – Championing Election Equality in Illinois
A groundbreaking constitutional victory has shattered one of the most blatant election manipulation schemes in recent Illinois history. In Collazo v. Illinois State Board of Elections, 14 Republican candidates were vindicated after Democrats passed a last-minute law specifically designed to kick them off the November 2024 ballot mid-election cycle.
The Liberty Justice Center‘s stunning legal triumph at the Illinois Supreme Court not only restored these candidates to the ballot but delivered a crushing blow to decades of insider control and selective enforcement of election laws. This unanimous ruling from a majority-Democratic court sends shockwaves through the political establishment, proving that courts will not tolerate partisan manipulation of democratic processes. The victory opens the door for election reform nationwide, empowering voters with real choices and protecting future candidates from bureaucratic sabotage designed to rig elections before they even begin.
Biggest Home State Win Finalists
Recognizes the organization that achieved a significant policy win in their home state.
Pelican Institute for Public Policy – Bringing ‘One Door’ to Louisiana
The Pelican Institute for Public Policy led a multi-year campaign to transform Louisiana’s fragmented safety net into a unified, outcomes-focused system. The result: passage of House Bills 617 and 624, making Louisiana the first state since the 1990s—and only the second ever—to integrate social services and workforce programs under a “One Door” model. This reform addresses the state’s persistent poverty and low labor force participation by shifting from a compliance-driven system to one focused on independence and self-sufficiency. Pelican built bipartisan momentum through policy research, audits, national partnerships, strategic communications, and close engagement with Governor Jeff Landry’s administration. Their efforts included convening a task force, hosting site visits, and advising on legislation that ultimately passed unanimously. The campaign also laid the groundwork for federal reforms through continued work with the Alliance for Opportunity. Now a model for other states, “One Door” promises to reshape how Louisiana connects citizens to opportunity and long-term prosperity.
Empower Mississippi and Mississippi Center for Public Policy – Phasing Out Mississippi’s Income Tax
In 2025, Mississippi became the first state since Alaska to set a course toward full elimination of its income tax—thanks to campaigns led by Empower Mississippi and the Mississippi Center for Public Policy (MCPP). Empower built years of public momentum, releasing policy reports, publishing a tax calculator, and engaging leaders through media and grassroots advocacy. MCPP led legislative strategy, crafting the “Build Up Mississippi Act” with innovative revenue triggers that alleviated fiscal concerns and secured bipartisan support. Together, the groups helped pass House Bill 1, a historic law that phases out Mississippi’s income tax over the next decade. The campaign’s success was fueled by coalition-building, targeted digital outreach, legislative testimony, and media engagement. The law will return up to $100 million annually to taxpayers once triggers are met—benefiting over one million households. This victory marks a turning point in Mississippi’s economic policy and creates a model for pro-growth tax reform across the nation.
Goldwater Institute – Proposition 312: The Safe Neighborhoods Act
Proposition 312: The Safe Neighborhoods Act was a groundbreaking initiative led by the Goldwater Institute to hold local governments accountable for failing to enforce public nuisance laws—particularly in response to Phoenix’s humanitarian disaster known as “The Zone.” Passed in November 2024 with over 58 percent support, this first-of-its-kind measure allows property owners to claim tax refunds for cleanup costs when cities neglect homeless encampment-related issues. Goldwater crafted the policy, built a bipartisan coalition, and drove public support through media, litigation, and strategic outreach. The act has already spurred policy shifts in at least six Arizona cities, including bans on public camping near schools and parks. Rooted in the principle that government should not tax what it fails to protect, Proposition 312 reshaped public safety policy without growing bureaucracy. More than a local reform, it offers a replicable model for communities nationwide confronting similar urban breakdowns—proving that freedom-focused, citizen-driven solutions can restore order and civic trust.
Biggest Win for Freedom Finalists
Palmetto Promise Institute – Giving Hope to South Carolina Students
After the South Carolina Supreme Court overturned the state’s ESA program, Palmetto Promise Institute (PPI) sprang into action—determined to protect families and preserve education choice. As the organization that introduced ESAs to the state in 2017, PPI responded to the crisis by mobilizing parents, launching a legal and legislative strategy, forming an advocacy capacity to their Durable Freedom Infrastructure, and raising $2.5 million through an emergency Rescue Fund to keep students in their schools.
Their swift, integrated response—grounded in policy, communications, and compassion—resulted in the passage of a stronger, permanent ESA law. Today, 10,000 students are benefiting, 98 percent of families have reapplied, and every scholarship has been claimed. PPI’s bold, all-hands approach turned a devastating court loss into a landmark policy comeback. More than a state win, it’s a roadmap for the school choice movement nationwide—proving that when education freedom is threatened, state-based organizations like PPI are best positioned to lead the charge and deliver lasting results.
The Buckeye Institute – Changing the Energy Game in Ohio
In one of Ohio’s most significant energy reforms in a generation, The Buckeye Institute led the charge to pass House Bill 15—cutting costly subsidies, restoring free-market competition, and securing affordable, reliable energy for families and businesses. Recognizing this historic opportunity, Buckeye built a broad coalition of tech leaders, manufacturers, and grassroots allies to push back against monopolistic utility interests.
Their expert research, trusted policy counsel, and relentless outreach flipped the script in the statehouse—defeating entrenched lobbies and energizing legislative action. The result: a sweeping win that repeals $582 million in taxpayer-funded subsidies, reduces regulation, and ensures electricity pricing is transparent and competitive. Thanks to Buckeye’s leadership, Ohio is now positioned as a national model for market-driven energy policy—one that enables innovation, strengthens economic growth, and protects consumers from special-interest influence. This victory reaffirms that principled, state-based policy leadership can take on entrenched interests—and win.
Oklahoma Council for Public Affairs – Holding the State Supreme Court Accountable
For the first time in Oklahoma history, voters removed a sitting Supreme Court justice—and the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs (OCPA) led the charge. In 2024, OCPA, OCPA Action, and People for Opportunity launched a first-of-its-kind campaign to expose judicial activism and educate voters on the state’s highest court. Through the release of Oklahoma’s first-ever Judicial Scorecard, a 75-county grassroots tour, and strategic digital and media outreach, OCPA gave Oklahomans the tools to evaluate their justices. The result: Justice Yvonne Kauger, the Court’s most liberal member, was not retained.
That victory shifted the Court’s ideological balance and led to the appointment of a conservative constitutionalist. OCPA continued its advocacy through the nomination process, ensuring transparency and high standards. Thanks to their leadership, judicial retention in Oklahoma is no longer a formality—it’s now a real check on judicial power and a major win for limited government.