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Improving transparency in public schools
Increasing spending on K-12 public schools hasn’t improved outcomes, nor has it increased faith in the system that, in most states, makes...
Chris Cargill
Oct 31, 20221 min read
Check out our new animation on gas tax transparency
Last month, we released a study calling for tax transparency at the gas pump. We've also appeared in the CDA Press, Idaho Statesman and...
Chris Cargill
Oct 26, 20221 min read
Supreme Court looks at an Idaho case to offer clarity on WOTUS
What bodies of water does the federal government have authority over? Defining Waters of the United States (WOTUS) is the long-standing...
Madilynne Clark
Oct 24, 20222 min read
The latest NAEP scores show need for education reform
The results are not good - perhaps even worse than we could have expected. On Monday, the latest numbers from the National Assessment of...
Chris Cargill
Oct 24, 20222 min read
Our focus is on the policies, not the politics
As election season reaches its climax, it’s natural to be fired up for a specific candidate, or your preferred political party. It’s...
Chris Cargill
Oct 23, 20222 min read
Why Idaho’s income tax could be lowered even more
A flat rate is good. A lower flat rate would be better. Idaho state lawmakers and Governor Brad Little have, twice now, lowered Idaho’s...
Chris Cargill
Oct 22, 20222 min read
Could public-private partnerships help replace aging school buildings?
Idaho school districts are facing a big problem. A recent survey conducted by the state’s Office of Performance Evaluation found that...
Amber Gunn
Oct 17, 20224 min read
Govs. Little, Gianforte rank high in fiscal report card on governors
Governors are the chief executives of their states. Leadership, especially during troubled times, is sometimes difficult to find – but...
Chris Cargill
Oct 15, 20221 min read
End of irrigation season reinforces need for more ag water
Earlier this week, irrigation water turned off for the season and many farmers heaved a sigh of relief and gave thanks for existing water...
Madilynne Clark
Oct 14, 20222 min read
School shutdown results: ACT test scores fall, lowest in 30 years
It is yet more proof of the severe damage caused by COVID school shutdowns. Today, we learned the national average ACT score for the...
Chris Cargill
Oct 12, 20222 min read
The people deserve gas tax transparency at the pump
As gas prices continue to surge, who do we blame? The president’s policies are always a point of contention. So, too, are the profits of...
Chris Cargill
Oct 12, 20223 min read
"We're in the ideas business"
The nation’s newest free-market think tank is now open following today’s launch of Mountain States Policy Center in Boise. “The eyes of...
MSPC Newsroom
Oct 12, 20222 min read
Collective bargaining in government should never be secret
The citizens of the city of Spokane have reason to be upset. After nearly 80% of voters approved a city charter change demanding...
Chris Cargill
Oct 7, 20222 min read
Farmworker shortage leads to grocery shopping difficulties
‘Help Wanted’ signs are reaching their full yield potential this time of year. An on-going labor shortage exists on most farms, packing...
Madilynne Clark
Oct 4, 20222 min read
The debate over calling legislatures into special sessions
This fall, voters in Idaho will be considering Senate Joint Resolution 102. The measure would amend Idaho’s constitution to allow for the...
Chris Cargill
Oct 4, 20222 min read
Tax revenues just keep surging
It's as if COVID never happened. At least in some states. The latest estimates from Pew’s Fiscal 50 project show that, following the end...
Chris Cargill
Oct 2, 20221 min read
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