Montana advances constitutional amendment to end Supreme Court elections
The people of the Treasure State may soon stop electing state Supreme Court justices. Montana's House Judiciary Committee this week...
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THE BLOG
Chris Cargill
- Mar 30
- 2 min
Idaho voters won't decide change to initiative gathering process
The Idaho House today turned down an effort to change the process for gathering signatures for initiatives. The majority voted in favor...
Chris Cargill
- Mar 29
- 2 min
Idaho property tax relief going forward after all
Both the Idaho House and the Idaho Senate have voted to override Governor Brad Little's veto of HB 292 - a major property tax reduction...
Madilynne Clark
- Mar 28
- 2 min
Is there enough water for 2023?
In a season when farmers and ranchers expect to begin spring groundwork and planting, projects seem slow to start. The 2022-2023 winter...
Chris Cargill
- Mar 27
- 3 min
Taxes, transparency and time – Idaho Senate action leaves much to be desired
The Idaho House and Senate worked throughout the session on a bill that would provide major property tax relief to the citizens of the...
Chris Cargill
- Mar 27
- 2 min
When will legislators adjourn? It depends
In Idaho, lawmakers are about ready to wrap up business. Probably. Maybe. While the legislative session is supposed to last 75-90 days,...
Chris Cargill
- Mar 24
- 2 min
"Ludicrous" Washington income tax ruling will impact other states
The exodus from Washington state may just be getting started. Today, the Washington State Supreme Court upheld the state's new 7% income...
Chris Cargill
- Mar 23
- 1 min
Financial literacy requirements coming to Idaho high schools
It just makes sense... or is it cents? Idaho's legislature has passed - and Governor Brad Little has signed - House Bill 92, which...
Madilynne Clark
- Mar 22
- 3 min
When is a farm too big?
When is a farm too big? That is the question in front of the Oregon Legislature with Senate Bill 85. Would 2,500 cows or 125,000 chickens...
Chris Cargill
- Mar 21
- 2 min
Advisory vote on "funding private schools" won't happen
Today, the Idaho House shot down a proposal to place a misleading and controversial advisory question on the 2024 general election...
Chris Cargill
- Mar 20
- 1 min
Clock ticking on Montana's various proposed constitutional amendments
Voters in Montana could soon see a flurry of state constitutional amendments on their ballots. Lawmakers have proposed more than 50...
Chris Cargill
- Mar 20
- 2 min
Idaho's Medicaid budget runs into roadblocks
The Idaho House today voted down the state's $4,691,777,000 Medicaid budget. House Bill 334 failed in a 34-36 vote. The rejection is not...
Chris Cargill
- Mar 20
- 2 min
"15-20% savings" - Idaho property tax relief gets Senate approval
The Idaho Senate has followed the House and passed a major property tax cut bill. It may be short term relief, but questions remain about...
Chris Cargill
- Mar 18
- 3 min
Ed choice advisory vote is a mistake & won’t provide complete picture
The legislature exists to make the best policies for sometimes complex issues while representing the will of the people. This is why...
Chris Cargill
- Mar 16
- 2 min
A small victory for families - Idaho Senate passes expansion of Empowering Parents program
The Idaho Senate today passed SB 1161, an expansion of the state’s Empowering Parents program. The vote was 19-15-1. It now heads to the...
Chris Cargill
- Mar 16
- 1 min
Montana advances increase in tax credit scholarships
The Montana House is advancing legislation that would more than double the amount of donations that could be accepted for both the...
Chris Cargill
- Mar 14
- 2 min
Property tax relief & reform moves forward
In Montana, it's a done deal, signed by Governor Greg Gianforte. In Idaho, it's almost there. The surging cost of property taxes...
Chris Cargill
- Mar 14
- 2 min
Idaho Senate committee passes expansion of Empowering Parents program
Some progress is being made to expand education choice options in Idaho. The Idaho Senate Education committee today passed SB 1161, an...
Chris Cargill
- Mar 14
- 2 min
Advisory vote on education choice is simplistic & unwise - here's a better idea
The Idaho House Education Committee is considering a proposal to place an advisory question before voters next fall (2024) regarding...
Chris Cargill
- Mar 14
- 1 min
Montana boasts largest tax cut in state history
When it comes to having a competitive tax environment, Montana is stepping-up its game. Governor Greg Gianforte has signed a flurry of...
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