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The Blog at MSPC



Can you hear the wireless taxes now?
As the demand for wireless services continues to grow, many consumers may not realize that they are facing significant financial burdens...
Oct 8, 20242 min read


Oregon’s Measure 118: Corporate tax increase to pay for Universal Basic Income
This November, Oregon voters are being asked to become the first state to adopt a Universal Basic Income (UBI) of an estimated $1,600 per...
Oct 1, 20243 min read


Wyoming’s SJR 3: Property tax changes for owner occupied residences
This November, Wyoming voters will decide whether to amend the state constitution and change how property tax is applied for owner...
Oct 1, 20244 min read


Mostly high marks for our region in Schweitzer's 2024 Index of Freedom report
Regionally based Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) recently released its 2024 Index of Freedom report . The top five states in...
Sep 18, 20242 min read


New taxes, spending, recess time, and school board spouses
When the Idaho School Boards Association (ISBA) meets in Boise in November to pass a legislative platform, they may want to reconsider their
Sep 12, 20242 min read


Does higher spending equal better education outcomes?
K-12 public school spending is at an all-time high, and America spends more per student than any other developed nation. In 2022, the...
Aug 26, 20242 min read


Failure to extend the Federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) would hurt taxpayers
Unless Congress acts soon, taxpayers across the Mountain States will face an automatic tax increase next year. This is because lawmakers...
Aug 19, 20243 min read


Fifth Circuit Declares Universal Service Fund Fee Unconstitutional
The recent decision by the Fifth Circuit to declare the Universal Service Fund (USF) fee unconstitutional marks a pivotal moment in the...
Aug 12, 20242 min read


Montana considering “Truth in Taxation”
To help address concerns about increasing property taxes, Montana policymakers are actively considering adopting “Truth in Taxation.”...
Aug 7, 20243 min read


Return to sender: Why policymakers should avoid retail delivery fees
As the world becomes more digitized almost every consumer participates in online shopping. Forbes estimates in the U.S. that 20.1% of all...
Aug 6, 20244 min read


Rebates are better than repeal for Idaho’s controversial grocery tax
Taxing food is controversial. Idaho offers a yearly rebate of $100-$120 to residents – a number that appears smaller as inflation roars.
Jul 25, 20242 min read


Now Available: The Mountain States Policy Manual
The Mountain States Policy Manual is a 200-page guide filled with facts, figures, research and more than 80 recommendations – it is an...
Jul 15, 20245 min read


Sugary drink taxes just don't work - here's why
These taxes often come with promises to decrease sugar consumption and raise revenue for popular programs. These goals are counterintuitive.
Jul 9, 20241 min read


Wealth tax questions punted for another day
There are at least four U.S. Supreme Court justices willing to forcefully slam the door shut on efforts to impose wealth taxes....
Jun 28, 20243 min read


No more secrets: Open the door to public employee contract talks
Collective bargaining in government is controversial, but it should never be a secret. Collective bargaining talks are the negotiations...
Jun 27, 20242 min read


Are there billions of dollars hiding in Idaho’s tax preferences couch cushions?
Some believe that Idaho is sitting on a goldmine of forgone taxes through “wasteful” tax preferences. There were comments made to that...
Jun 18, 20243 min read


Boise, Billings and Spokane: Three approaches, three outcomes
Where should you live in the Mountain States? The question seems to be on the country’s mind as it has been the fastest growing region...
Jun 11, 20243 min read


Here is what MSPC shared with Idaho budget writers - Budgeting for Outcomes
Idaho's legislative Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee (JFAC) held a work session today discussing performance-based budgeting and...
Jun 6, 20242 min read


Use performance-based budgeting to focus taxpayer dollars on expected outcomes
When taxpayers provide their hard-earned dollars to government officials, they are doing so in hopes of receiving a tangible outcome for...
May 20, 20243 min read


Idaho is among top economic-performing states according to a national report
The annual “Rich States, Poor States” report produced by the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) shows Idaho ranking 2nd for...
May 8, 20242 min read
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