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The Blog at MSPC



Local elections by district - an answer in search of a problem?
While district elections can help cities have members who highlight issues from specific neighborhoods, there are drawbacks. For example,
Feb 16, 20252 min read


Next steps for emergency powers reform
Though time is said to heal all wounds, the scars from the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns remain fresh as the nation experienced executive...
Feb 9, 20254 min read


Two different approaches to Ranked Choice Voting introduced
Lawmakers in Washington State and Wyoming are taking two radically different approaches to Ranked Choice Voting (RCV). Washington...
Jan 30, 20254 min read


Idaho and Montana set the example for DOGE
President Donald Trump has big plans to tackle government efficiency and accountability during his new administration. This includes...
Jan 22, 20254 min read


Washington lawmakers propose open government ombudsman
Several lawmakers in Washington state have proposed a bill to study the creation of an official open government ombudsman. The details...
Jan 15, 20253 min read


Meet WONK - your new legislative best friend
Lawmaking isn't pretty, or easy. It shouldn't be. Thousands of pieces of legislation are introduced in state capitols and Washington,...
Jan 14, 20251 min read


Are changes needed to Idaho's initiative process?
One of the most important powers secured by Idaho’s constitution is the right of the people to reject and propose laws via a referendum...
Jan 14, 20254 min read


Blizzard of bills and a call for restraint
Do all states need a rule that limits a lawmaker's appetite for more and more legislation? Maybe. But we'd rather see a self-imposed diet.
Jan 12, 20252 min read


Idaho lawmakers should make it easier for citizens to participate during the session
Ready or not Idaho’s 2025 Legislative Session starts on January 6. Many important policies will be considered ranging from education...
Jan 2, 20253 min read


The latest Census population estimates are a big, big deal - here's why
Americans can vote by mail, vote in person and even vote with their feet. Indeed, policies have consequences. The latest data from the...
Dec 27, 20241 min read


MSPC’s year in review
Legislative sessions across the Mountain States will kick off in January. We’re excited to see which of our policy recommendations...
Dec 26, 20244 min read


Policy wish list for Idaho's 2025 Legislative Session
Santa isn't the only one with a list this time of year. While we aren't in the business of making a naughty list, there are several...
Dec 17, 20242 min read


Results of the 2024 Idaho Poll
The Idaho Poll is released every other December ahead of the legislative session to provide critical information regarding the state's top p
Dec 13, 20241 min read


Voter turnout - which state does it best?
The data on voter turnout can help dispel myths about the voting policies in each state.
Dec 9, 20242 min read


Idaho should reform its ballot fiscal impact statement process
Idaho is one of 17 states that requires a fiscal impact statement for a proposed ballot measure. While this is an important transparency...
Nov 17, 20244 min read


Legislative salary debate: how much is too much?
The roughly $5,000 hike means, collectively, Idaho would be spending about $525,000 more on legislative salaries. This represents .00009% of
Nov 14, 20242 min read


Bringing transparency to Idaho municipalities
One of the most important responsibilities of government is to ensure transparency. While some states and government agencies excel at...
Nov 11, 20243 min read


Should Washington and Oregon give their electoral votes to Donald Trump?
So far, Vice President Kamala Harris has won nearly 60% of the vote in Washington state. But under the National Popular Vote compact, Donald
Nov 8, 20242 min read


Update on 2024 ballot measures in the Mountain States
Earlier this year Mountain States Policy Center wrote studies analyzing several ballot measures across the region. Here are the current...
Nov 6, 20242 min read


Americans rejecting Ranked Choice Voting across the country in 2024
Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) was on the ballot this year in six states and voters are currently rejecting the controversial voting measure ...
Nov 6, 20242 min read
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