From challenging monarchs to corporate monopolists, historically, the anti-monopoly movement began in the states. The future of the anti-monopoly movement remains in the states too, and there is incredible momentum on our side. From modernizing antitrust law, to trailblazing public options, to tackling junk fees, price fixing, right to repair, and employee non-competes—state legislators, alongside workers, local businesses, and consumers are on the frontlines of innovation, leading the way in passing new laws to rein in corporate power and empower working families. This session will first provide a foundational understanding of corporate concentration in the United States, including the historic links of corporate monopolies to white supremacy. We will then profile bold anti-monopoly efforts across the country, where across rural, urban, and suburban communities—state legislators, workers, consumers, and local businesses are united and building state economies that advance justice and work for the many, not the elite few.
