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The Blog at MSPC
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
Abolish Certificate of Need (CON) to improve access to health care
Limiting options is not a way to reduce costs or improve care. Certificate of Need (CON) laws are a state regulatory tool that seeks to...
Jul 23, 20241 min read
The legal cases that prove education choice is constitutional
Fearing expensive legal battles, policymakers who may be on the fence often err on the side of caution and vote against measures to expand c
Jul 19, 20245 min read
BLM ruling threatens Wyoming’s K-12 funding model
On May 16th, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) issued a final environmental impact statement on the Powder River Basin, stating that it...
Jul 18, 20244 min read
Artificial Intelligence can be our first line of defense in limiting the effects of wildfires
California, like many of the states in our region, has faced some of the most devastating wildfires in recent history. The "Golden State"...
Jul 17, 20243 min read
Where has the education money gone?
One of the most popular charts available today tells a story: huge increases in administrative staffing, small increases in teachers and stu
Jul 16, 20241 min read
Washington versus Idaho on celebrating 250 years of America
Most states are getting ready to proudly celebrate 250 years of our Republic. One state isn’t so sure though. Compare and contrast the...
Jul 16, 20242 min read
Delays and dollars: Ranked Choice Voting's stunning Idaho cost
Idaho's Secretary of State Phil McGrane has sent legislators a detailed memo on the implementation of such a drastic change in Idaho electio
Jul 15, 20244 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
A lesson in government intervention - for better or worse?
In reality, no stores will close, no employees will be laid off, and Kroger and Albertsons are doing exactly what the government has told th
Jul 12, 20242 min read
Ring the bell for school principal authority
Research shows that one of the most effective tools for improving school outcomes is to put the principal in charge of the school. What...
Jul 12, 20242 min read
Big win for families: Montana judge rejects attempt to stop implementation of ESA’s
An attempt by a coalition of teachers unions and public school activists to block implementation of Education Savings Accounts in Montana ha
Jul 11, 20242 min read
This is why we need to expand the use and availability of Health Savings Accounts
Unfortunately, 90% of Americans lack access to health savings accounts. Why? Because, under current law, it is illegal to have an HSA unless
Jul 11, 20242 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
Washington Governor supports huge wind project while admitting there may be “significant impacts” to hawks
Note: This article was originally published by Washington Policy Center. It is reposted with permission. “Fanaticism consists of...
Jul 8, 20245 min read
19 State Coalition Challenging the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s Scope
19 States have banded together in a lawsuit against the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) green energy transition...
Jul 5, 20244 min read
248 years later, are we worthy of the sacrifice?
John Adams said that “liberty cannot be preserved without a general knowledge among the people.” On this 248th celebration of America’s...
Jul 4, 20242 min read
Governor Little issues Executive Order to resolve Idaho water fight – for now
The challenging waters of Idaho's irrigation needs became even more turbulent in recent weeks, with water users working through...
Jul 3, 20243 min read
MSPC's work nominated for major national award
MSPC is one of just three finalists for the State Policy Network's Bob Williams Award for Outstanding Policy Achievement - the Biggest Win f
Jul 2, 20242 min read
97,000 signatures... but still major question marks
Supporters of an Idaho ballot measure that would open primaries and adopt ranked choice voting likely delivered enough signatures to the sta
Jul 2, 20243 min read
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