About Business Leaders for Sensible Priorities

Our Mission

The United States of America will be a more sustainable society when we eliminate wasteful defense spending and instead invest in the foundations of a strong economy and a prosperous and productive future, by enhancing areas such as education, healthcare and green infrastructure. The role of Business Leaders for Sensible Priorities is to leverage the credibility of business leaders on fiscal issues to draw the attention of policy decision makers, the media and the public to how the federal budget is currently allocated and help to create a climate where changed budget priorities can become a reality.

Who We Are

Business Leaders for Sensible Priorities was formed in 1998 by Ben Cohen of Ben & Jerry's because top American businesspeople believe that the federal government's spending priorities are undermining our national security. Advised by retired admirals and generals, Business Leaders for Sensible Priorities' 650 members include the present or former CEOs of Bell Industries, Black Entertainment Television, Goldman Sachs, Men's Wearhouse, and Phillips Van Heusen. In the past three presidential election cycles BLSP has had an aggressive grassroots presence in Iowa and New Hampshire ahead of the first in the nation primary and caucus. BLSP had the opportunity to raise awareness of the Priorities agenda among voters and caucus goers, through direct and constituent contact was able to leverage the opportunity for earned media thanks to the presence of an extensive press corps.

BLSP has become a project of the Center for American Progress since 2008. BLSP maintains the same mission and continues to provide a platform for members who are committed to its agenda.