Solving the rural broadband problem
In the vastness of the Mountain States, where rugged landscapes and rural communities define the region, one pressing issue stands out;...
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WHAT WE COVER
WHAT WE COVER
Free
Markets
First.
ELECTION 2024
Madilynne Clark
May 283 min read
Improve government transparency by providing details of policies under consideration
An engaged citizenry should be the pursuit not the torment of democracy. Adopting policies favoring government transparency at all levels...
Chris Cargill
May 241 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.
Dr. Roger Stark
May 223 min read
Health insurance mandates increase the cost of health care
Americans view health insurance much differently than other types of insurance. When a person says that they have great health insurance,...
Jason Mercier
May 203 min read
Use performance-based budgeting to focus taxpayer dollars on expected outcomes
When taxpayers provide their hard-earned dollars to government officials, they are doing so in hopes of receiving a tangible outcome for...
Chris Cargill
May 172 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
Madilynne Clark
May 165 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...
Chris Cargill
May 152 min read
Missoula’s proposed plastic bag ban will be incredibly ineffective
A trend. A fad. Feel-good legislation. Call plastic bag bans whatever you want, just don’t call them effective environmental policy.
Jason Mercier
May 142 min read
Another warning about Ranked Choice Voting from Washington’s Secretary of State
Although Washington already has a Top Two open primary process, there have been proposals in recent years to try to impose Ranked Choice...
Sebastian Griffin
May 132 min read
Universal Fees Shouldn't Burden Broadband Users, and The FCC Agrees ... For Now
The decision not to impose Universal Service fees on internet service represents a win for the preservation of free market practices.
Chris Cargill
May 102 min read
You can't claim to support education choice while limiting options
On the one hand, policymakers, activists, school leaders and even those running for office say they are in favor of education choice. On the
Madilynne Clark
May 93 min read
American Agriculture Needs Farm Workforce Modernization
Note: This is a joint Mountain States Policy Center op-ed with U.S. Congressman Mike Simpson (Idaho) American farmers feel like the...
Jason Mercier
May 82 min read
Idaho is among top economic-performing states according to a national report
The annual “Rich States, Poor States” report produced by the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) shows Idaho ranking 2nd for...
Chris Cargill
May 63 min read
The "Blaine Amendments" are bigoted relics
States cannot fall back on their Blaine Amendments to justify prohibitions on public funding of schools solely due to their religion.
Jason Mercier
May 23 min read
The many consequences of breaching the Snake River dams
Protecting the Snake River dams and other federal water infrastructure is pivotal to the Northwest. We must remain dam strong for the benefi
Chris Cargill
May 12 min read
KOSA: what it is, and why policymakers should be cautious
Teenagers are spending more time online than ever before, raising concerns among parents and lawmakers. As a parent of teenagers myself,...
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