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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
Nov 26, 20243 min read


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.

Chris Cargill
Jul 25, 20242 min read


The legal cases that prove education choice is constitutional
Fearing expensive legal battles, policymakers who may be on the fence often err on the side of caution and vote against measures to expand c

Chris Cargill
Jul 19, 20245 min read


Where has the education money gone?
One of the most popular charts available today tells a story: huge increases in administrative staffing, small increases in teachers and stu

Chris Cargill
Jul 16, 20241 min read


Delays and dollars: Ranked Choice Voting's stunning Idaho cost
Idaho's Secretary of State Phil McGrane has sent legislators a detailed memo on the implementation of such a drastic change in Idaho electio

Chris Cargill
Jul 15, 20244 min read


A lesson in government intervention - for better or worse?
In reality, no stores will close, no employees will be laid off, and Kroger and Albertsons are doing exactly what the government has told th

Chris Cargill
Jul 12, 20242 min read


MSPC's work nominated for major national award
MSPC is one of just three finalists for the State Policy Network's Bob Williams Award for Outstanding Policy Achievement - the Biggest Win f

MSPC Newsroom
Jul 2, 20242 min read


97,000 signatures... but still major question marks
Supporters of an Idaho ballot measure that would open primaries and adopt ranked choice voting likely delivered enough signatures to the sta

Chris Cargill
Jul 2, 20243 min read


Congress could expand education choice options too
Thirty-three states now have some type of school choice law on the books to empower families with limited to middle-class incomes to access

Chris Cargill
Jun 24, 20243 min read


The launch of the first Mountain States Policy Manual
The Policy Manual is a 200-page guide filled with facts, figures, research and more than 80 recommendations that will be an invaluable tool

MSPC Newsroom
Jun 20, 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
Jun 19, 20242 min read


Surprising population data highlights need for policy trifecta
Policies matter and they have real consequence. Perhaps the starkest example of this is the ability of a citizen to vote with their feet.

Chris Cargill
May 24, 20241 min read


Data shows private schools improve civic education, political tolerance
A well-rounded education is about more than just test scores. Schooling has a critical role to play in nurturing an informed, tolerant and d

Chris Cargill
May 17, 20242 min read


We need a right-to-work constitutional amendment - here's why
Imagine going to work and being forced to pay a fee from every paycheck for a service you don’t want. Frustration would be a mild...

Madilynne Clark
May 16, 20245 min read


Training and inspiring the next generation of free market leaders
At the end of the program, MSPC's Board of Directors will select at least one participant to receive a $5,000 scholarship.

MSPC Newsroom
Dec 26, 20231 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 26, 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
Oct 19, 20232 min read


Here are the states that charge the most gas tax
Americans are feeling a pain at the pump. But who is to blame for the higher prices? Government taxes and fees can make up a significant...

Chris Cargill
Aug 15, 20232 min read


Which state will be the next to axe its income tax?
Take a glance at tax policy across the nation and you'll notice an unmistakable trend - states are lowering or doing away with their...

Chris Cargill
Jul 31, 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
Jun 9, 20231 min read
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