The debate over local control vs. bad policymaking
The tug of war between the federal government, the states and local governments has been part of our Republic since the founding - and...
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WHAT WE COVER
WHAT WE COVER
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First.
Chris Cargill
- Jan 29, 2023
- 1 min
Who wants to require you to vote?
Voting may be your civic duty, but should the government be forcing you to do it? Some members of the Washington State legislature say...
Chris Cargill
- Jan 26, 2023
- 2 min
Should ballot initiatives require more widespread support?
Idaho’s constitution makes it very clear: “all political power is inherent in the people.” Article 3 defines one of the most sacred...
Chris Cargill
- Jan 25, 2023
- 2 min
Yes, it's time to end religious discrimination in Idaho's constitution
In the debate over education choice in Idaho, much has been made about the Blaine Amendment of Idaho's constitution. Article IX Section 5...
Madilynne Clark
- Jan 24, 2023
- 2 min
The policies and politics of COVID-19 in the Mountain States
Starting in January 2020, reports of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) entering the United States were a reality, and no longer an international...
Chris Cargill
- Jan 19, 2023
- 3 min
Why we're joining arguments on a case before the U.S. Supreme Court
Two U.S. Supreme Court cases will determine the future of free speech and expression on the internet - one is Twitter v. Taamaneh, the...
Chris Cargill
- Jan 18, 2023
- 3 min
It could be costly for Boise to skirt laws
If the state capital of Idaho ignores state and federal law, it could cost the city millions in revenues. That’s the message state...
Charlotte McKinley
- Jan 17, 2023
- 1 min
Montana to Congress: fully fund law enforcement on reservations
Joint resolution SJ5 in the Montana state legislature pushes Congress to not only fully fund public safety and law enforcement agencies,...
Chris Cargill
- Jan 15, 2023
- 2 min
What is an “Article V Convention of the States”?
Numerous states – now including Montana – are considering legislation calling for an Article V Convention of the states. What does that...
Chris Cargill
- Jan 10, 2023
- 1 min
Citizens flooded with legislation - is it needed?
As legislative sessions in our region are underway, one cannot help but look at the list of bills being introduced and be overwhelmed....
Charlotte McKinley
- Jan 9, 2023
- 1 min
State employees should have to comply with audits
Montana is considering legislation that would tighten the rules for the auditing process — including penalties for state employees that...
Chris Cargill
- Jan 9, 2023
- 1 min
Governor Little focuses on education, taxes in state of the state address in Boise
Governor Brad Little welcomed members of the Idaho State Legislature today with his state of the state address, pressing a theme of...
Charlotte McKinley
- Jan 6, 2023
- 1 min
More than 4,000 bill requests in Montana legislative session - so far
An astonishing 4,332 bill draft requests have already been submitted to the Montana Legislation committee, according to the state...
Chris Cargill
- Jan 4, 2023
- 1 min
Our role during the legislative sessions
The 2023 legislative session is already underway in Montana. In Idaho and Washington, lawmakers gavel into session on Monday. Wyoming...
Chris Cargill
- Dec 31, 2022
- 1 min
Idaho could gain more electoral clout
It almost happened last time, and if the population estimates hold, it will most certainly happen next time. We're talking about the...
Chris Cargill
- Dec 29, 2022
- 1 min
Remote testimony is critical to the legislative process
For decades, those living long distances from a state capitol had to brave icy conditions, closed passes or expensive flights to...
Chris Cargill
- Dec 26, 2022
- 2 min
Ensuring a legislative role in emergency powers is important
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the nation experienced executive overreach at both the federal and state level. In Washington state,...
Chris Cargill
- Dec 20, 2022
- 1 min
10 policy ideas for upcoming legislative sessions across the region
Nearly 500 lawmakers across Idaho, Washington, Wyoming, and Montana begin meeting in January for their state’s regular legislative...
Chris Cargill
- Dec 14, 2022
- 1 min
The results of MSPC's 2022 Idaho Poll
Mountain States Policy Center (MSPC), in cooperation with the Boise-based GS Strategy Group, is proud to announce the results of our 2022...
Chris Cargill
- Nov 10, 2022
- 2 min
Voters have amended Idaho’s constitution – now what?
It wasn’t overwhelming approval, but voters in the Gem State gave a thumbs up to a constitutional amendment that would allow the...
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