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The Blog at MSPC
Will K-12 spending increases lead to better outcomes?
Idaho Governor Brad Little announced Monday a plan to increase K-12 spending in Idaho in several areas. From the Governor's release: · ...
Jan 10, 20232 min read
State employees should have to comply with audits
Montana is considering legislation that would tighten the rules for the auditing process — including penalties for state employees that...
Jan 9, 20231 min read
Governor Little focuses on education, taxes in state of the state address in Boise
Governor Brad Little welcomed members of the Idaho State Legislature today with his state of the state address, pressing a theme of...
Jan 9, 20231 min read
The launch of "Education Choice Improves Outcomes"
It's an important day across the mountain states. Not only are legislative sessions opening in Idaho and Washington, but MSPC is...
Jan 9, 20231 min read
More than 4,000 bill requests in Montana legislative session - so far
An astonishing 4,332 bill draft requests have already been submitted to the Montana Legislation committee, according to the state...
Jan 6, 20231 min read
Yes, Montana could use some tax relief
Governor Greg Gianforte today called on the Montana State Legislature to approve his plan to provide property and income tax relief. The...
Jan 5, 20231 min read
Competing COVID-19 reports difficult to compare
The federal, state, and local government responses to the COVID-19 pandemic vary based on region, and sometimes based on political party...
Jan 5, 20233 min read
Using triggers to lower personal income tax rates in Idaho, Montana
Over the past few years, Idaho lawmakers have twice lowered the state’s income tax rate. The latest legislative action passed last...
Jan 5, 20231 min read
Our role during the legislative sessions
The 2023 legislative session is already underway in Montana. In Idaho and Washington, lawmakers gavel into session on Monday. Wyoming...
Jan 4, 20231 min read
U-haul data shows Americans voting with their feet
If you didn't believe the census numbers released just a few weeks ago, the latest U-haul migration data is here to add to the case. The...
Jan 3, 20232 min read
A year-end message from our President
MSPC President Chris Cargill details the organization's success in 2022 and looks forward to the new year.
Dec 31, 20221 min read
Idaho could gain more electoral clout
It almost happened last time, and if the population estimates hold, it will most certainly happen next time. We're talking about the...
Dec 31, 20221 min read
Remote testimony is critical to the legislative process
For decades, those living long distances from a state capitol had to brave icy conditions, closed passes or expensive flights to...
Dec 29, 20221 min read
Ensuring a legislative role in emergency powers is important
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the nation experienced executive overreach at both the federal and state level. In Washington state,...
Dec 26, 20222 min read
Voting with their feet - Americans fleeing high tax, big government states
Call it a confirmation of what most of us already knew - the population of the mountain states is surging. The U.S. Census Bureau has...
Dec 24, 20221 min read
When activists accidentally say the quiet part out loud
In a recent column about K-12 education funding, I made a few simple requests of those who say we need to spend more: (1) tell us how...
Dec 23, 20222 min read
Does it pay to not work? In these states it might
A new study is proving that, depending on where you live, government benefits make it pay not to work. The federal government and most...
Dec 21, 20221 min read
Can you hear the cell phone taxes now?
Cell phone taxes and fees are soaking up more family budgets. But the amount you pay depends on where you live. The newest Tax Foundation...
Dec 21, 20221 min read
Snake River Dams get assist from Senator Risch
In an era of electrification and increased power demand, it makes no sense to remove a clean, renewable source. So far, sanity is...
Dec 20, 20222 min read
10 policy ideas for upcoming legislative sessions across the region
Nearly 500 lawmakers across Idaho, Washington, Wyoming, and Montana begin meeting in January for their state’s regular legislative...
Dec 20, 20221 min read
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