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The Blog at MSPC
New predictions on Idaho ESA program require major scrutiny
It produced some eye-opening numbers that got the attention of media including the Idaho Statesman and KTVB. But a new blog from the...
Feb 22, 20234 min read
The urgency to do more to lower state income tax rates
Last fall, the Idaho Legislature lowered the state income tax to a flat rate of 5.8%. This legislative session, Montana is considering...
Feb 21, 20232 min read
Idaho property tax vulnerable to housing market changes
Idaho residents may be coveting Utah’s property tax laws that account for market value increases. Utah exempts 45% of the market value...
Feb 20, 20232 min read
Idaho property values see highest increase in the region
The quest for affordability sometimes comes with unexpected costs. Over the last five years, as Idaho became one of the most demanded...
Feb 20, 20232 min read
Taxpayers to get stuck with another local baseball stadium?
It appears taxpayers in Washington state and the Spokane area are about to get stuck with a bill to renovate Spokane’s Avista Stadium....
Feb 18, 20232 min read
Six Idaho property tax relief bills awaiting hearing
Idaho legislators rushed to submit possible relief for the growing property tax pressure by February 13th. The 36th day of Idaho’s...
Feb 15, 20232 min read
Idaho Senate committee passes Education Savings Accounts
Today, the Idaho Senate Education committee passed SB 1038 - a bill that would create universal Education Savings Accounts (ESA's). The...
Feb 15, 20232 min read
Legislative session checklist: policies introduced, policies waiting
Legislative sessions in Idaho, Montana and Washington are more than a month old, and we are getting a rough idea of what could be in play...
Feb 12, 20236 min read
Idaho launches new, local transparency website
One of the most important tasks for government is to be transparent. Some governments are better than others at accomplishing that goal....
Feb 9, 20231 min read
When school districts over-collect for bond payments
If you take out a mortgage, you typically know what your payment is going to be each month, and from year to year. But if you approve a...
Feb 7, 20231 min read
Idaho property tax relief is waiting on a solution
Idaho residents are experiencing a painful consequence of rising real estate values. Not only is it more difficult to purchase a home...
Feb 2, 20233 min read
Messy Idaho Medicaid expansion will stay - for now
It's been five years now since Idaho voters approved a ballot measure adopting Medicaid expansion. As we've previously written, the...
Feb 1, 20232 min read
Where should you retire?
A new WalletHub survey has once-again rated the Mountain States has one of the best places to retire. Wyoming ranked 4th, Idaho ranked...
Jan 30, 20231 min read
Tax reduction measures advance in Helena
Governor Greg Gianforte gave his state of the state address Wednesday night, just hours after the Montana state Senate endorsed his...
Jan 25, 20231 min read
The Path - Responsible transportation policy in the Mountain States
Transportation systems are the backbone of a strong local economy, allowing people and goods to move efficiently and effectively. At its...
Jan 19, 20231 min read
Preview: Key recommendations for transportation in our region
Transportation systems are the backbone of a strong local economy, allowing people and goods to move efficiently and effectively. At its...
Jan 18, 20232 min read
Hearing Tuesday in Montana to discuss cut in state income tax
Montana legislators on Tuesday will hold a hearing in the Senate Taxation Committee to discuss whether to cut the state income tax. The...
Jan 16, 20231 min read
Montana aims to expand education choice via tax credit scholarships for students
Montana Senator John Fuller has introduced a new bill that would expand the amount of money available for student tax credit...
Jan 12, 20231 min read
Will K-12 spending increases lead to better outcomes?
Idaho Governor Brad Little announced Monday a plan to increase K-12 spending in Idaho in several areas. From the Governor's release: · ...
Jan 10, 20232 min read
Governor Little focuses on education, taxes in state of the state address in Boise
Governor Brad Little welcomed members of the Idaho State Legislature today with his state of the state address, pressing a theme of...
Jan 9, 20231 min read
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