The Blog at MSPC

How does repealing a brand-new income tax that won’t be collected for another three years impact any government services today? It doesn’t. This dubious crystal-ball fiscal clairvoyance has dismayed policy experts and government transparency advocates.

Maintaining a competitive economy requires constant attention to workforce development, business investment, tax and regulatory restraint, and the policies that encourage innovation and opportunity.

Idaho is being rewarded for its prudent budget policies. The Evergreen State is facing a business climate in distress from self-inflicted wounds. Unless Washington changes course, expect more of its citizens and businesses to head east to enjoy the benefits of the Gem State’s fiscal discipline.

Montana has become one of America's economic success stories, but a new study released today by the Mountain States Policy Center argues the Treasure State risks falling behind unless it continues reforming its tax code.

Every year, millions of Americans make one of the biggest decisions of their lives: whether to stay where they are or move somewhere they believe offers greater opportunity. They aren’t just choosing a new home. They’re choosing a different set of public policies.

Montana's prudent fiscal management and tax reforms to improve economic competitiveness have positioned the state well.

By automatically increasing gas taxes each year, Washington policymakers are ensuring voters will pay even more without the normal public accountability or public debate for a tax increase. This yearly automatic gas tax increase should be towed back to the legislative garage for major repairs.

Over the past decade, individual income tax collections increased from $1.06 billion in Fiscal Year 2014 to $2.24 billion in Fiscal Year 2024. That's an increase of more than 111 percent.

The study, Tax increase ballot measures: How to increase voter participation, authored by Policy Fellow Sam Cardwell, finds that local tax increases are frequently decided during special elections that attract significantly fewer voters than primary or general elections.

Government officials should strive to maximize voter participation on important issues, and requiring tax increases to be considered at a primary or general election does just that.

Recently, Washington state and Idaho reported success in aggressively pursuing fraud in their respective Medicaid programs.

For Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming – the 2025 rankings reinforce the idea that fiscal conservatism is no longer simply a political slogan in the region, but a defining component of economic strategy and regional identity. It’s also a reminder for Washington of the important fiscal reforms needed.

Those states that prioritize fiscal discipline and a low regulatory and tax burden are doing well. The opposite is true if a state fails to keep its fiscal and regulatory house in order.

It is Gov. Ferguson’s decision whether Washington families will benefit, or if the money will instead flow to students in participating states.

The hits keep coming for Washington state’s poor fiscal management. The latest comes in the form of the recent credit ratings. At the same time, Idaho and Montana continue to receive high praise on credit reports for their fiscally conservative budget practices.

A temporary gas tax suspension is not a radical proposal. It’s a pragmatic one. It acknowledges that while we argue about the future of energy, people still have to live in the present.

Taxpayers want to get off this endless express train to their hard-earned money.

Montana could continue to improve its economic outlook by building on its impressive income tax reforms by moving to a flat income tax rate.

Over the past decade, Idaho lawmakers steadily reduced the state’s top income tax rate—from 7.4% in 2014 to a flat 5.3% today. Critics warned of budget shortfalls, underfunded services, and fiscal instability. Instead, Idaho is collecting more revenue than ever.

This is a simple case coming down to one question: Do Washingtonians own their income?