Shaping Policy Conversation

Alliance for Competitive Taxation

During Washington’s biggest tax fight in years, the Alliance for Competitive Taxation (ACT) turned to Marathon to ensure its voice – and the economic stakes for its members employing more than 4 million Americans – broke through.

The Challenge

As Washington approached what many called the “Super Bowl of Tax,” ACT faced an increasingly crowded policy environment, with many stakeholders competing to shape the future of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. 

To break through the noise, ACT needed to position itself not as another partisan voice, but as a credible, fact-based authority. The nonpartisan coalition of tax experts representing 49 leading U.S. companies needed support elevating its message about the role sound tax policy plays in driving economic growth, innovation, and U.S. competitiveness.

Our Approach 

Marathon executed a two-phased, research-driven public affairs strategy designed to communicate ACT’s research and on the ground knowledge of corporation taxation to tax policymakers.

Phase One: Establish Credibility 
Pre-2024 election, we reinforced ACT as a nonpartisan, data-first authority on tax comprised of the tax directors of leading American companies. By prioritizing original research and economic analysis, the campaign grounded the debate in facts – focusing on jobs, wages, investment, and American economic competitiveness.

Phase Two: Communicate ACT’s Perspective
After the election, as legislative activity intensified, we worked with ACT to sharpen messaging about the economic consequences of tax policy proposals. Sustained national and regional media engagement ensured ACT’s perspective remained present as lawmakers began crafting the next tax package. Early credibility translated into constructive policymaker engagement and expanded visibility during a pivotal moment in the legislative process.

The Impact

The campaign elevated ACT as an authority in the corporate tax debate. Through disciplined reliance on research, data, and economic analysis, ACT strengthened its credibility with policymakers, media, and stakeholders.

ACT’s spokesperson, former House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady, became a sought-after voice for top-tier outlets including Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, Politico, CNBC, and Yahoo Finance. 

On July 4, President Trump signed the 2025 Tax Bill into law, promoting U.S. investment and research and maintaining the competitive 21% rate established under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

ACT’s ongoing advocacy continues to reinforce the importance of a responsible tax system that drives economic growth, supports American workers, spurs innovation, and ensures global competitiveness.