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The Blog at MSPC
Idaho's 10 largest school districts: What the data shows
This publication highlights Idaho’s 10 largest school districts, the staffing of each, the average salaries of administrators, principals an
Jun 4, 20242 min read
Solving the rural broadband problem
In the vastness of the Mountain States, where rugged landscapes and rural communities define the region, one pressing issue stands out;...
May 30, 20242 min read
Improve government transparency by providing details of policies under consideration
An engaged citizenry should be the pursuit not the torment of democracy. Adopting policies favoring government transparency at all levels...
May 28, 20243 min read
Surprising population data highlights need for policy trifecta
Policies matter and they have real consequence. Perhaps the starkest example of this is the ability of a citizen to vote with their feet.
May 24, 20241 min read
Health insurance mandates increase the cost of health care
Americans view health insurance much differently than other types of insurance. When a person says that they have great health insurance,...
May 22, 20243 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
Data shows private schools improve civic education, political tolerance
A well-rounded education is about more than just test scores. Schooling has a critical role to play in nurturing an informed, tolerant and d
May 17, 20242 min read
We need a right-to-work constitutional amendment - here's why
Imagine going to work and being forced to pay a fee from every paycheck for a service you don’t want. Frustration would be a mild...
May 16, 20245 min read
Missoula’s proposed plastic bag ban will be incredibly ineffective
A trend. A fad. Feel-good legislation. Call plastic bag bans whatever you want, just don’t call them effective environmental policy.
May 15, 20242 min read
Another warning about Ranked Choice Voting from Washington’s Secretary of State
Although Washington already has a Top Two open primary process, there have been proposals in recent years to try to impose Ranked Choice...
May 14, 20242 min read
Universal Fees Shouldn't Burden Broadband Users, and The FCC Agrees ... For Now
The decision not to impose Universal Service fees on internet service represents a win for the preservation of free market practices.
May 13, 20242 min read
You can't claim to support education choice while limiting options
On the one hand, policymakers, activists, school leaders and even those running for office say they are in favor of education choice. On the
May 10, 20242 min read
American Agriculture Needs Farm Workforce Modernization
Note: This is a joint Mountain States Policy Center op-ed with U.S. Congressman Mike Simpson (Idaho) American farmers feel like the...
May 9, 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
The "Blaine Amendments" are bigoted relics
States cannot fall back on their Blaine Amendments to justify prohibitions on public funding of schools solely due to their religion.
May 6, 20243 min read
The many consequences of breaching the Snake River dams
Protecting the Snake River dams and other federal water infrastructure is pivotal to the Northwest. We must remain dam strong for the benefi
May 2, 20243 min read
KOSA: what it is, and why policymakers should be cautious
Teenagers are spending more time online than ever before, raising concerns among parents and lawmakers. As a parent of teenagers myself,...
May 1, 20242 min read
Health care needs price transparency
Americans should have the right to know prices for their medical care.
Apr 30, 20242 min read
States should increase the availability of public charter schools
Studies continue to show that public charter schools are making a positive difference in students' lives.
Apr 29, 20243 min read
Meet MSPC's 2024 Sawtooth Leadership Academy class
The Sawtooth Leadership Academy is a project of Mountain States Policy Center. The yearly, limited enrollment and no-cost program is...
Apr 27, 20244 min read
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