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The Blog at MSPC
Idaho's K-12 state allocation is up 106% in past decade
Ten years ago, Idaho was spending $1.3 billion. Over the past decade, K-12 state spending has ballooned 106.2%.
Apr 10, 20232 min read
Education savings accounts for special needs children moving in Montana
The Montana House has approved a bill that would offer special needs children access to Education Savings Accounts worth roughly $6,816....
Apr 10, 20231 min read
Are advisory votes a good idea? It depends
Lawmakers in Washington State are moving forward with a bill to abolish the state's requirement for non-binding advisory votes on tax...
Apr 10, 20231 min read
Too much legislation? For citizens, it can be overwhelming
It’s almost unbelievable. Lawmakers across our region have introduced some 4,000 new laws over the past three months. That’s more than 40...
Apr 5, 20231 min read
Here come the expanded income taxes in Washington
They said it wouldn’t happen. It only took a few weeks to prove they were wrong. Following the Washington State Supreme Court’s ruling on...
Apr 3, 20232 min read
Idaho needs a major reset on education choice conversation
The 2023 Idaho legislative session is ready to adjourn with barely any movement on advancing education choice options for families. While...
Apr 3, 20233 min read
Montana advances constitutional amendment to end Supreme Court elections
The people of the Treasure State may soon stop electing state Supreme Court justices. Montana's House Judiciary Committee this week...
Mar 30, 20231 min read
Idaho voters won't decide change to initiative gathering process
The Idaho House today turned down an effort to change the process for gathering signatures for initiatives. The majority voted in favor...
Mar 30, 20232 min read
Idaho property tax relief going forward after all
Both the Idaho House and the Idaho Senate have voted to override Governor Brad Little's veto of HB 292 - a major property tax reduction...
Mar 29, 20232 min read
Is there enough water for 2023?
In a season when farmers and ranchers expect to begin spring groundwork and planting, projects seem slow to start. The 2022-2023 winter...
Mar 28, 20232 min read
Taxes, transparency and time – Idaho Senate action leaves much to be desired
The Idaho House and Senate worked throughout the session on a bill that would provide major property tax relief to the citizens of the...
Mar 27, 20233 min read
When will legislators adjourn? It depends
In Idaho, lawmakers are about ready to wrap up business. Probably. Maybe. While the legislative session is supposed to last 75-90 days,...
Mar 27, 20232 min read
"Ludicrous" Washington income tax ruling will impact other states
The exodus from Washington state may just be getting started. Today, the Washington State Supreme Court upheld the state's new 7% income...
Mar 24, 20232 min read
Financial literacy requirements coming to Idaho high schools
It just makes sense... or is it cents? Idaho's legislature has passed - and Governor Brad Little has signed - House Bill 92, which...
Mar 23, 20231 min read
When is a farm too big?
When is a farm too big? That is the question in front of the Oregon Legislature with Senate Bill 85. Would 2,500 cows or 125,000 chickens...
Mar 22, 20233 min read
Advisory vote on "funding private schools" won't happen
Today, the Idaho House shot down a proposal to place a misleading and controversial advisory question on the 2024 general election...
Mar 21, 20232 min read
Clock ticking on Montana's various proposed constitutional amendments
Voters in Montana could soon see a flurry of state constitutional amendments on their ballots. Lawmakers have proposed more than 50...
Mar 20, 20231 min read
Idaho's Medicaid budget runs into roadblocks
The Idaho House today voted down the state's $4,691,777,000 Medicaid budget. House Bill 334 failed in a 34-36 vote. The rejection is not...
Mar 20, 20232 min read
"15-20% savings" - Idaho property tax relief gets Senate approval
The Idaho Senate has followed the House and passed a major property tax cut bill. It may be short term relief, but questions remain about...
Mar 20, 20232 min read
Ed choice advisory vote is a mistake & won’t provide complete picture
The legislature exists to make the best policies for sometimes complex issues while representing the will of the people. This is why...
Mar 18, 20233 min read
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