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The Blog at MSPC

Model house with red accents on a wooden table beside a set of keys, symbolizing homeownership or real estate. Bright indoor setting.

Idaho sets the standard for short-term rental reform

Local governments across the country are engaging in a slow-motion seizure of private property rights—but in Idaho, lawmakers just put a stop to it.

22 hours ago3 min read

Legal document labeled "UNCONSTITUTIONAL" on a wooden desk with a gavel, scales, glasses, and a green lamp, suggesting a courtroom setting.

Lawsuit filed against the unconstitutional income tax in Washington state

This is a simple case coming down to one question: Do Washingtonians own their income?

4 days ago3 min read

Smiling girl with pigtails leans on stack of books, wearing glasses playfully on head. Background is light blue. Playful mood.

Idaho families receiving notice of Parental Choice Tax Credit awards

This week brought welcome news for many Idaho parents who applied for the inaugural Parental Choice Tax Credit program, which began accepting applications on January 15. The Tax Commission has started notifying applicants by email and Taxpayer Access Point (TAP) portal messaging regarding credit awards.

5 days ago2 min read

Lightbox sign with "TURN IDEAS INTO REALITY" in black text, next to colorful magazines on a wooden surface, set against a frosted window.

Several MSPC policy recommendations were enacted this year

Lawmakers across our region were very busy during the 2026 Legislative Sessions. More than 2,300 combined bills were introduced in Washington (1,157), Idaho (817), and Wyoming (335). There wasn’t a legislative session this year in Montana. Several of Mountain States Policy Center’s (MSPC) recommendations were among those to make it across the finish line.

6 days ago2 min read

More legislation doesn't mean better governance

This year, Idaho lawmakers introduced more than 800 pieces of legislation—again. That’s not a one-off spike. It’s part of a clear trend: more bills, more activity, and more output from a citizen legislature that was never designed to operate at this scale.

Apr 62 min read

Close-up of a glowing light bulb against a dark background, showcasing vibrant blue and orange hues.

Who is winning the race for affordable power?

Despite a massive hydroelectric advantage, Washington will continue to become more expensive due to its energy tax and regulatory policies, while Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming are likely to see the cost curve bend with their support for bringing more nuclear power online.

Apr 63 min read

Three questions about education spending in Idaho, and where we go from here

Let’s start with the basic reality: Idaho is increasing public education spending even as student enrollment levels off or declines.

Apr 23 min read

Idaho’s housing problem may come down to one step too many

The two-stairway requirement acts as a binding constraint on supply, especially for small and mid-size apartment buildings. It doesn’t just make construction more expensive—it makes many projects impossible to build at all. Entire categories of housing that would otherwise be viable simply never get proposed.

Apr 13 min read

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