January - 2024

Fact checking claims about latest Idaho education choice proposal

Chris Cargill

Jan 304 min read

EDUCATION

Fact checking claims about latest Idaho education choice proposal

Wild claims are being made about what the program would and would not do. Here’s what’s true and false.

Governors and members of Congress tell the President not to restrict consumer choice of vehicles

Jason Mercier

Jan 294 min read

TRANSPORTATION

Governors and members of Congress tell the President not to restrict consumer choice of vehicles

Consumers should have the option to choose the vehicles that are the most functional for their individual driving needs and location.

KTVB highlights MSPC recommendation for a 3-day public notice for bill hearings

Jason Mercier

Jan 262 min read

GOVERNANCE

KTVB highlights MSPC recommendation for a 3-day public notice for bill hearings

Providing advance notice of bills scheduled for public hearings is a standard practice among neighboring states.

Arctic blast flashes warning signal for regional grid stability and reliance on intermittent power sources

Jason Mercier

Jan 244 min read

NATURAL RESOURCES/ENERGY

Arctic blast flashes warning signal for regional grid stability and reliance on intermittent power sources

We need to make sure power is reliably and economically available for families when they need it during extreme weather.

There are 187 studies on impact of education choice – and the results are overwhelming

Chris Cargill

Jan 2314 min read

EDUCATION

There are 187 studies on impact of education choice – and the results are overwhelming

If you had these odds, you’d buy a lottery ticket. This is the week each year that we celebrate education choice. Those across the...

Education choice receives majority support in BSU Idaho Public Policy Survey

Jason Mercier

Jan 222 min read

EDUCATION

Education choice receives majority support in BSU Idaho Public Policy Survey

A new poll by Boise State University shows public support for increasing education choice options in Idaho.

Importing unconstitutional speech laws won’t protect children

Chris Cargill

Jan 193 min read

INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY

Importing unconstitutional speech laws won’t protect children

While there is much to celebrate about Idaho’s recent success, one policy proposal aimed at protecting children could actually prove...

Yesterday, today and tomorrow: Quick action on fentanyl bill highlights need for reform

Chris Cargill

Jan 182 min read

GOVERNANCE

Yesterday, today and tomorrow: Quick action on fentanyl bill highlights need for reform

The Idaho House Judiciary, Rules and Administration committee is making quick work of House Bill 406 - legislation that "adds to existing...

Can cities can manage homeless populations? Supreme Court to decide

Madilynne Clark

Jan 183 min read

GOVERNANCE

Can cities can manage homeless populations? Supreme Court to decide

A recent announcement by the Supreme Court is likely to bring some clarity to the tools local governments use in managing homeless populatio

Should the government take the balance on your gift cards?

Chris Cargill

Jan 172 min read

BUSINESS CLIMATE

Should the government take the balance on your gift cards?

Under the legislation, a gift card becomes state unclaimed property if it remains unclaimed for more than three years after becoming payable

AI regulation is on the agenda for lawmakers this year

Sebastian Griffin

Jan 173 min read

INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY

AI regulation is on the agenda for lawmakers this year

State lawmakers are increasingly focused on understanding both the benefits and challenges posed by AI.

The curious last-minute lawsuit to stop a free market merger

Chris Cargill

Jan 163 min read

The curious last-minute lawsuit to stop a free market merger

The state of Washington is suing to stop the merger of Kroger and Albertsons. Bob Ferguson – who serves as Washington’s Attorney General...

Here are simple reforms to help make it easier to follow the Idaho legislature

Jason Mercier

Jan 153 min read

GOVERNANCE

Here are simple reforms to help make it easier to follow the Idaho legislature

Idaho should learn from some of the legislative transparency best practices from neighboring states to help improve citizen involvement.

Public School Transparency Act is a tool citizens, lawmakers need

Chris Cargill

Jan 122 min read

EDUCATION

Public School Transparency Act is a tool citizens, lawmakers need

School district budgets are a maze of numbers and jargon that most citizens cannot understand.

Most education choice options are NOT vouchers, despite claims

Chris Cargill

Jan 92 min read

EDUCATION

Most education choice options are NOT vouchers, despite claims

I have two boys at home. I’m used to repeatedly hearing something that isn’t true, in hopes that I’ll believe it. So, I guess I shouldn’t...

Governor Little opens Idaho's Legislative Session with State of the State address

Jason Mercier

Jan 83 min read

BUDGET/TAX

Governor Little opens Idaho's Legislative Session with State of the State address

Here are some of the notable fiscal pull quotes from Governor Little's address.

Idaho lawmakers introduce exciting "Parental Choice Tax Credit"

Chris Cargill

Jan 53 min read

EDUCATION

Idaho lawmakers introduce exciting "Parental Choice Tax Credit"

If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. Idaho State Representative Wendy Horman and Idaho State Senator Lori Den Hartog announced...

Protecting kids online could start at the app store

Chris Cargill

Jan 52 min read

INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY

Protecting kids online could start at the app store

One national standard that puts parents, not the government, in the driver's seat, would be best.

Idaho lawmakers receive update on state’s fiscal outlook

Jason Mercier

Jan 42 min read

BUDGET/TAX

Idaho lawmakers receive update on state’s fiscal outlook

Idaho Economic Outlook and Revenue Assessment Committee is hearing presentations to help shape the revenue framework for budget discussions.

Public workers deserve full First Amendment protection from compelled union speech

Olivia Johnston

Jan 33 min read

GOVERNANCE

Public workers deserve full First Amendment protection from compelled union speech

A case pending before the Supreme Court of the United States has the potential to enhance the First Amendment rights of workers.

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