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Jason Mercier
14 hours ago3 min read
One of largest income tax cuts in Idaho history proposed
Today's bill delivers more than $252M in tax cuts, starting with cutting individual and corporate income taxes to 5.3%.
Chris Cargill
2 days ago2 min read
Is the Idaho legislative pay debate really about just 26 cents?
A 22% salary hike for legislators sounds large, until you start doing the math. In total, it represents just $534,135 in state spending, or
Jason Mercier
7 days ago2 min read
Montana considers harm reduction tax bill for heated tobacco products
A new proposal in Montana would utilize what is referred to as a “harm reduction” principle to tier the tobacco tax rate depending on how...
Jason Mercier
Jan 92 min read
More tax relief is on the way for Idaho
You can take it to the bank – taxes will be cut again this year in Idaho. State leaders kicked off the 2025 Legislative Session by making...
Chris Cargill
Jan 82 min read
Fact check: No, not every cent of a state budget belongs to public schools
Medicaid expansion defunds public schools. Road construction defunds public schools. Fighting forest fires defunds public schools....
Sam Cardwell
Dec 20, 20243 min read
Which state is the most taxpayer-friendly?
The Cowboy State has once again won the tax rodeo for having the most competitive tax structure according to the Tax Foundation. The Tax...
Chris Cargill
Dec 18, 20242 min read
Washington state's budget nightmare is its own fault
State legislators in Washington state have a big budget challenge ahead of them. If they want to know why, they should look in the...
Jason Mercier
Dec 17, 20242 min read
Policy wish list for Idaho's 2025 Legislative Session
Santa isn't the only one with a list this time of year. While we aren't in the business of making a naughty list, there are several...
Chris Cargill
Nov 26, 20243 min read
Idaho’s grocery tax is a real turkey, but state income tax is the pig
Focusing exclusively on repealing the grocery tax takes our eye off a much bigger and even more important prize – reforming and lowering the
Jason Mercier
Nov 22, 20244 min read
Montana fights for pole position on lowest regional income tax rate
In the important race for tax competition, Governor Gianforte has announced a major income tax reduction proposal for the Treasure State....
Jason Mercier
Nov 17, 20244 min read
Idaho should reform its ballot fiscal impact statement process
Idaho is one of 17 states that requires a fiscal impact statement for a proposed ballot measure. While this is an important transparency...
Chris Cargill
Nov 14, 20242 min read
Legislative salary debate: how much is too much?
The roughly $5,000 hike means, collectively, Idaho would be spending about $525,000 more on legislative salaries. This represents .00009% of
Sam Cardwell
Nov 1, 20243 min read
America's blank check spending mentality needs reform
It is no secret that America’s national debt is tremendously high. As of October 2024, we are in a $35.7 trillion hole that we need to...
Sebastian Griffin
Oct 8, 20242 min read
Can you hear the wireless taxes now?
As the demand for wireless services continues to grow, many consumers may not realize that they are facing significant financial burdens...
Madilynne Clark
Oct 1, 20243 min read
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...
Jason Mercier
Oct 1, 20244 min read
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, 20242 min read
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, 20242 min read
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, 20242 min read
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, 20243 min read
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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