Xavier Charter School team wins 2026 “We the Students” Civics Bowl

Over the course of six rounds and more than 150 questions, students competed on topics ranging from the Constitution and the structure of government to key moments in American history.

Newsroom

MSPC Newsroom

Xavier Charter School team wins 2026 “We the Students” Civics Bowl

Over the course of six rounds and more than 150 questions, students competed on topics ranging from the Constitution and the structure of government to key moments in American history.

MSPC Newsroom

2 days ago2 min read

Scrabble tiles spelling "SPEND" on scattered US dollar bills. The setting suggests financial spending, with a focus on money and cost.

Washington's credit outlook turns negative, while Montana and Idaho receive high praise

The hits keep coming for Washington state’s poor fiscal management. The latest comes in the form of the recent credit ratings. At the same time, Idaho and Montana continue to receive high praise on credit reports for their fiscally conservative budget practices.

Jason Mercier

3 days ago3 min read

This is how much a 30-day gas tax holiday could save families

A temporary gas tax suspension is not a radical proposal. It’s a pragmatic one. It acknowledges that while we argue about the future of energy, people still have to live in the present.

Chris Cargill

3 days ago3 min read

It’s time to save taxpayers from Sound Transit’s strategic misrepresentation

Taxpayers want to get off this endless express train to their hard-earned money.

Bob Pishue

4 days ago3 min read

They say Idaho spends the least per student... does it really matter?

The real issue isn’t that Idaho spends too little—it’s whether we’re getting results for what we spend. And right now, the data suggests something important: We can do better without simply spending more.

Chris Cargill

6 days ago2 min read

A conversation with Governor Mitch Daniels

Mountain States Policy Center recently had the opportunity to have a conversation with former Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels to discuss his thoughts on spending discipline, health care reforms, improving education outcomes, higher education affordability, regulatory reforms, the national budget outlook, and civility.

Jason Mercier

6 days ago1 min read

Pile of hundred-dollar bills with visible "100" and blue security strip, creating a sense of wealth. Bills arranged in a loosely stacked manner.

Montana should join the flat tax revolution

Montana could continue to improve its economic outlook by building on its impressive income tax reforms by moving to a flat income tax rate.

Jason Mercier

7 days ago3 min read

MSPC mourns passing of former Idaho Governor Dirk Kempthorne

Governor Kempthorne’s career in public life spanned decades and reflected a deep and abiding commitment to the people of the American West. From his leadership as Mayor of Boise, to his service as a United States Senator, Governor of Idaho, and U.S. Secretary of the Interior, he approached every role with humility, conviction, and a steady sense of purpose.

MSPC Newsroom

Apr 252 min read

Why the Electoral College remains vital for our Republic

Our republic needs to continue to support the importance and power of the states, and the Electoral College is a prime pillar of that ideal.

Sam Cardwell

Apr 233 min read

They block grocery stores—then build their own at four times the cost

To be clear, not every community will attract a grocery store overnight, even with fewer barriers. There are places where the economics are genuinely difficult. But that makes it all the more important not to sabotage the projects that are viable.

Chris Cargill

Apr 213 min read

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A conversation with Governor Mitch Daniels

Governance

Why the Electoral College remains vital for our Republic

Our republic needs to continue to support the importance and power of the states, and the Electoral College is a prime pillar of that ideal.

Governance

Metal filing cabinet labeled "Public Records" with a drawer open, revealing contents. Neutral tones dominate the office setting.

Legislators should make transparency a top priority in 2027

Wyoming legislators should make strengthening the Public Records Act and other government transparency initiatives their center of attention in next year’s legislative session. This would build on the progress made this session for medical cost transparency.

Governance

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Xavier Charter School team wins 2026 “We the Students” Civics Bowl

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2 min read

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Free Markets First.

Mountain States Policy Center is the nation's fastest growing free market think tank. With a headquarters in Idaho and coverage in Washington state, Montana, and Wyoming, MSPC is the first multi-state think tank of its kind, working to educate key segments of society—including policymakers, the media, young leaders, and the rising generation of citizens— on the power of free markets and limited government to unleash prosperity and opportunity throughout the Mountain West and the nation. We do this because we believe “free markets are for everyone,” and offer the most compelling path for our country.