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Published Research
In-depth and informed data from our experts
The challenges - and price - of eliminating Idaho's local property tax
By Chris Cargill
Idaho property taxes generate roughly $2.2 billion annually for local governments, meaning
eliminating them requires either major spending reductions or replacing the revenue elsewhere. The
study finds that a statewide property-to-sales-tax swap could push the combined sales tax to roughly 11.4%, while county-level replacement rates vary dramatically, making a one-size-fits-all
approach impractical and pointing instead toward local choice paired with taxpayer safeguards.
Past Election Analysis
Sawtooth Leadership Academy Studies
The Blog at MSPC
Sending more tax and spending decisions to your state capitol isn't conservative
If you distrust government with spending and tax decisions, why would you put politicians at your state capitol in charge of more of it? That's the question at the center of Idaho's current debate over property taxes. There is no statewide property tax in Idaho, but local governments can collect property tax revenue. Property taxes frustrate homeowners for understandable reasons. Paying off your mortgage does not end the annual bill. A rising home value does not put cash in y
2 hours ago3 min read
Brunson Smith wins $5,000 Sawtooth Leadership Academy scholarship
His winning paper, “Closing the Age Loophole: How Idaho Should Protect Children from AI Companions,” examines gaps in protections for minors when companies do not determine whether their users are children. Smith recommends privacy-preserving age assurance, safeguards for users who may be minors and an appeals process for adults incorrectly classified as children.
3 hours ago2 min read
How to get Washington’s business climate back on track
The check engine light for Washington’s business climate is flashing. Lawmakers have passed a series of massive tax increases and regulations that have caused companies in Washington to financially suffer and some leave the state altogether.
1 day ago3 min read
Jesse Watters: 'The Truth Always Wins' at MSPC Fall Dinner
Watters challenged attendees to help their fellow citizens resist the growing temptation of socialism and instead embrace the principles of freedom, personal responsibility and economic opportunity.
4 days ago3 min read
SOLD OUT: Jesse Watters will speak before packed house at MSPC's Fall Dinner in CDA
Now the region’s most anticipated free-market event of the year, the annual fundraiser supports MSPC’s research, education and outreach programs.
6 days ago2 min read
Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana score a Top 10 ranking in small business growth
Small businesses are an essential part of a strong economy, and in the Mountain West, recent data suggest that the entrepreneurial spirit remains strong. Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana all ranked among the top ten states nationwide for small-business growth.
6 days ago3 min read
Washington Superintendent Reykdal advocates for politics over students
It is past time for Reykdal to put students over his union allies. Governor Ferguson should also follow the example set by Governor Hochul and commit to working with education leaders across the state to make sure these resources reach students in every community.
Oct 203 min read
Montana families deserve their education options back
Behind arguments about appropriations, statutory interpretation, and injunctions are real families trying to find an education option that works for their children.
Oct 193 min read
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