In 2004, a group of individuals concerned about the direction of the United States came together with a vision to reduce government intervention and promote free markets and enterprise. Twenty years later, Americans for Prosperity (AFP) has grown into a significant grassroots organization with representation in all 50 states, supported by a network of four million volunteers.
The organization's first major policy engagement occurred in Kansas in 2004 when it opposed a proposed tax increase that would have affected the state's poorest residents. AFP organized a campaign to educate voters and rally opposition, which ultimately led to the proposal being withdrawn. The efforts included traditional grassroots tactics like door knocking and phone banking, resulting in overwhelming constituent voices against the tax hike.
Over two decades, AFP expanded its focus to include issues such as education freedom, government accountability, and transparency. It has pushed for policies that empower students and families across various states including West Virginia, Arizona, Utah, Arkansas, Montana, Oklahoma, and Ohio. The organization has also advocated for right-to-work policies in Indiana, Michigan, Kentucky, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
AFP continues to challenge Certificate of Need laws that restrict medical service expansion. Through campaigns involving data-driven awareness and petitions, they have worked to improve patient access to healthcare services at affordable prices.
The organization is active not only in legislative matters but also in judicial reforms. In South Carolina, AFP supported changes to the judge selection process to reduce elite influence. In Montana, it is defending an education reform bill from union challenges in court.
According to AFP's founding principles: "work with anyone to do good and no one to do harm." Their mission remains focused on protecting freedoms and reigniting what they call the American Dream through their grassroots network.
