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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
Chris Cargill
Jul 11, 20242 min read
This is why we need to expand the use and availability of Health Savings Accounts
Unfortunately, 90% of Americans lack access to health savings accounts. Why? Because, under current law, it is illegal to have an HSA unless
Chris Cargill
Jun 19, 20242 min read
School districts, budget cuts, and expectations of funding
Declining school enrollment and budget constraints require policymakers to fundamentally rethink their approach to education - and that can
Chris Cargill
Oct 26, 20232 min read
When it comes to ballot measures, a two-for-one deal isn’t so good
Idaho voters could soon decide whether to overhaul the state’s primary process and adopt ranked choice voting. But even if the measure...
Chris Cargill
Oct 19, 20232 min read
The troubling education data - and the overwhelming support for change
It's difficult to find much good news about the direction of K-12 public education.
Chris Cargill
Aug 10, 20232 min read
As Wyoming advances education choice, it’s important to use accurate terms
It's important to point out that Education Savings Accounts are not "vouchers." It's inaccurate and misleading to interchange the terms.
Chris Cargill
Jun 9, 20231 min read
Federal regulations surge, but Mountain States lead by example
It's a very different story at the local level. In fact, Idaho is the least regulated state in the country.
Chris Cargill
May 8, 20233 min read
Five reasons why ranked choice voting is a bad idea
Ranked choice voting (RCV) may be the bigger issue here. Idaho legislators passed a bill this session that outlaws ranked choice voting.
Chris Cargill
May 3, 20231 min read
How many introduced bills actually become law?
Lawmakers across the region have introduced more than 4,000 new laws in 2023 legislative sessions.
Chris Cargill
May 2, 20231 min read
Charter schools have a future in Montana
It appears Montana will soon join 45 other states in permitting public charter schools.
Chris Cargill
May 1, 20231 min read
Foreign policy, education and elections - our conversation with U.S. Senator Jim Risch
Idaho Senator Jim Risch joined us at our inaugural Spring Dinner in Coeur d'Alene last week.
MSPC Newsroom
Apr 28, 20231 min read
MSPC's Spring Dinner: A Resounding Success Leaves Attendees in Awe
More than 400 of our closest friends joined us in Coeur d'Alene Friday for Mountain States Policy Center's first Spring Dinner.
Chris Cargill
Apr 26, 20231 min read
Ed choice breakthrough in Montana - ESA's for special needs children
The Montana Senate today signed off on a bill to provide Education Savings Accounts for special needs children. The vote was 26-24.
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