Oregon’s Measure 118: Corporate tax increase to pay for Universal Basic Income
This November, Oregon voters are being asked to become the first state to adopt a Universal Basic Income (UBI) of an estimated $1,600 per...
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WHAT WE COVER
WHAT WE COVER
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First.
ELECTION 2024
Jason Mercier
- 4 days ago
- 4 min
Wyoming’s SJR 3: Property tax changes for owner occupied residences
This November, Wyoming voters will decide whether to amend the state constitution and change how property tax is applied for owner...
Sam Cardwell
- Sep 18
- 2 min
Mostly high marks for our region in Schweitzer's 2024 Index of Freedom report
Regionally based Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) recently released its 2024 Index of Freedom report . The top five states in...
Chris Cargill
- Sep 12
- 2 min
New taxes, spending, recess time, and school board spouses
When the Idaho School Boards Association (ISBA) meets in Boise in November to pass a legislative platform, they may want to reconsider their
Sam Cardwell
- Aug 26
- 2 min
Does higher spending equal better education outcomes?
K-12 public school spending is at an all-time high, and America spends more per student than any other developed nation. In 2022, the...
Sam Cardwell
- Aug 19
- 3 min
Failure to extend the Federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) would hurt taxpayers
Unless Congress acts soon, taxpayers across the Mountain States will face an automatic tax increase next year. This is because lawmakers...
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- Aug 12
- 2 min
Fifth Circuit Declares Universal Service Fund Fee Unconstitutional
The recent decision by the Fifth Circuit to declare the Universal Service Fund (USF) fee unconstitutional marks a pivotal moment in the...
Jason Mercier
- Aug 7
- 3 min
Montana considering “Truth in Taxation”
To help address concerns about increasing property taxes, Montana policymakers are actively considering adopting “Truth in Taxation.”...
Sam Cardwell
- Aug 6
- 4 min
Return to sender: Why policymakers should avoid retail delivery fees
As the world becomes more digitized almost every consumer participates in online shopping. Forbes estimates in the U.S. that 20.1% of all...
Chris Cargill
- Jul 25
- 2 min
Rebates are better than repeal for Idaho’s controversial grocery tax
Taxing food is controversial. Idaho offers a yearly rebate of $100-$120 to residents – a number that appears smaller as inflation roars.
Jason Mercier
- Jul 15
- 3 min
Now Available: The Mountain States Policy Manual
The Mountain States Policy Manual is a 200-page guide filled with facts, figures, research and more than 80 recommendations – it is an...
Chris Cargill
- Jul 9
- 1 min
Sugary drink taxes just don't work - here's why
These taxes often come with promises to decrease sugar consumption and raise revenue for popular programs. These goals are counterintuitive.
Jason Mercier
- Jun 28
- 3 min
Wealth tax questions punted for another day
There are at least four U.S. Supreme Court justices willing to forcefully slam the door shut on efforts to impose wealth taxes....
Chris Cargill
- Jun 27
- 2 min
No more secrets: Open the door to public employee contract talks
Collective bargaining in government is controversial, but it should never be a secret. Collective bargaining talks are the negotiations...
Jason Mercier
- Jun 18
- 3 min
Are there billions of dollars hiding in Idaho’s tax preferences couch cushions?
Some believe that Idaho is sitting on a goldmine of forgone taxes through “wasteful” tax preferences. There were comments made to that...
Madilynne Clark
- Jun 11
- 3 min
Boise, Billings and Spokane: Three approaches, three outcomes
Where should you live in the Mountain States? The question seems to be on the country’s mind as it has been the fastest growing region...
Jason Mercier
- Jun 6
- 2 min
Here is what MSPC shared with Idaho budget writers - Budgeting for Outcomes
Idaho's legislative Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee (JFAC) held a work session today discussing performance-based budgeting and...
Jason Mercier
- May 20
- 3 min
Use performance-based budgeting to focus taxpayer dollars on expected outcomes
When taxpayers provide their hard-earned dollars to government officials, they are doing so in hopes of receiving a tangible outcome for...
Jason Mercier
- May 8
- 2 min
Idaho is among top economic-performing states according to a national report
The annual “Rich States, Poor States” report produced by the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) shows Idaho ranking 2nd for...
Olivia Johnston
- Apr 16
- 4 min
U.S. Supreme Court upholds constitutional safeguards against undue building fees
Government officials have been placed on notice by the U.S. Supreme Court concerning undue impact fees.
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