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...
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THE BLOG
Chris Cargill
- Oct 26, 2022
- 1 min
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...
Madilynne Clark
- Oct 24, 2022
- 2 min
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...
Chris Cargill
- Oct 24, 2022
- 2 min
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 23, 2022
- 2 min
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 22, 2022
- 2 min
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...
Amber Gunn
- Oct 17, 2022
- 4 min
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...
Chris Cargill
- Oct 15, 2022
- 1 min
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...
Madilynne Clark
- Oct 14, 2022
- 2 min
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...
Chris Cargill
- Oct 12, 2022
- 2 min
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, 2022
- 3 min
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, 2022
- 2 min
"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...
Chris Cargill
- Oct 7, 2022
- 2 min
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...
Madilynne Clark
- Oct 4, 2022
- 2 min
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...
Chris Cargill
- Oct 4, 2022
- 2 min
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 2, 2022
- 1 min
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...
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