The Blog at MSPC

There was a lot of intrigue in Washington state as citizens and businesses waited to see what Governor Ferguson would do with the record tax increases lawmakers sent to his desk this year. Despite speculation that the new Governor may veto these massive tax increases, in the end, he signed them into law on May 20.

The 2025 Legislative Session is officially over in Montana. Lawmakers in the Treasure State focused on several priorities during their time in Helena, including record income tax relief, reducing business costs with unemployment insurance reform, and clarifying environmental laws in response to court rulings.

While an attempt was also made again to tax drivers by the mile to divert money, lawmakers “[waved] the white flag” on the issue this legislative session. This mileage tax will likely resurface again. The transportation tax bill currently sits on Governor Ferguson's desk for signature.

If there was a theme for the 2025 Legislative Sessions in our region, it was major tax changes. On the negative side of the ledger are the “historic” tax increases rammed through in Washington state. On the positive side are the “record” tax cuts enacted in Idaho and Montana. Consider these regional headlines from the past month:

This fantastic government transparency website provides searchable details on state, county, city, and local district spending. As of April 7, additional education spending details are also now available.

While the rest of the nation today enjoys the relief of surviving another National Tax Day (April 15), our friends in Washington instead woke up to the news that no fewer than five new tax increase bills were introduced on April 16.

Tired of waiting for federal action on the nation’s $36 trillion national debt, Governors are banding together to press for state action.

Recognizing that Montana imposes the region's highest income tax rate, state officials are looking to increase economic competitiveness and provide taxpayer relief this session with additional income tax cuts. How much, however, is in question.

Legislators adjourned Friday afternoon, 89 days after they kicked off the session on a foggy, cold January morning in Boise. Nearly 800 bill

We all have our favorite president. For me, it’s Ronald Reagan. My admiration of the Gipper began as a young child. You can imagine the...

The long debate in Idaho surrounding Medicaid this year has concluded with lawmakers sending Governor Little an updated Medicaid budget (...

Voters in Wyoming and around the country have been clamoring for property tax relief as housing prices have risen almost 27 times faster...

Years of increasing taxes and regulations are leaving Washington employers facing the dreaded blue screen of death when it comes to their...

A bill hoping to deliver on the long-overdue climate tax fuel exemptions promised to agricultural producers has passed the Washington...

Fairness and consistency in public contracts are essential for a healthy economic climate. When certain industries are subject to a...

The Idaho State Tax Commission recently released its latest annual tax burden study  and the findings confirm that Idaho is on the right...

The theme of the 2025 Legislative Sessions in Idaho, Montana and Wyoming has been pursuing record tax relief. The odd state out in this...

In its recently released “ 28th Annual Highway Report ,” the Reason Foundation ranked Idaho 15th in the nation when it comes to cost...

Idaho's state House has approved perhaps the simplest bill introduced this legislative session. The measure - House Bill 416, introduced by

States are in a fierce economic race for businesses and citizens to help grow their economies. Montana has been among the winners in this...