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WHAT WE COVER
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WHAT WE COVER
Free
Markets
First.
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JOIN JUDGE JEANINE IN COEUR D'ALENE APRIL 11TH!
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Sam Cardwell
4 days ago4 min read
Washington considers imposing mileage tax
Washington State lawmakers have once again introduced a pay-per-mile tax. HB 1921 and SB 5726 would impose a vehicle miles traveled tax...
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Jason Mercier
Feb 62 min read
Montana Governor Gianforte highlights the need for additional income tax reduction
The mostly friendly state battle for tax competition and economic competitiveness is alive and well in our region. Except for some states...
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Jason Mercier
Jan 293 min read
Property tax relief needed - but local spending is the issue
The proposed tax cuts keep coming in Idaho. First, we saw the introduction of one of the largest income tax cuts in state history. Then...
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Jason Mercier
Jan 273 min read
Increased grocery tax credit proposed for Idaho
Purchasing food-related groceries in Idaho could soon become more affordable under a new bill introduced today. HB 61 (Food tax credits...
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Dr. Roger Stark
Jan 244 min read
Massive tax increase proposed for single-payer health care in Washington state
Here we go again. Some lawmakers in Washington state will just not give up on their quest for a state-run single-payer health care...
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Jason Mercier
Jan 233 min read
One of largest income tax cuts in Idaho history proposed
Today's bill delivers more than $252M in tax cuts, starting with cutting individual and corporate income taxes to 5.3%.
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Chris Cargill
Jan 212 min read
Is the Idaho legislative pay debate really about just 26 cents?
A 22% salary hike for legislators sounds large, until you start doing the math. In total, it represents just $534,135 in state spending, or
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Jason Mercier
Jan 172 min read
Montana considers harm reduction tax bill for heated tobacco products
A new proposal in Montana would utilize what is referred to as a “harm reduction” principle to tier the tobacco tax rate depending on how...
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Jason Mercier
Jan 92 min read
More tax relief is on the way for Idaho
You can take it to the bank – taxes will be cut again this year in Idaho. State leaders kicked off the 2025 Legislative Session by making...
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Chris Cargill
Jan 82 min read
Fact check: No, not every cent of a state budget belongs to public schools
Medicaid expansion defunds public schools. Road construction defunds public schools. Fighting forest fires defunds public schools....
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Sam Cardwell
Dec 20, 20243 min read
Which state is the most taxpayer-friendly?
The Cowboy State has once again won the tax rodeo for having the most competitive tax structure according to the Tax Foundation. The Tax...
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Chris Cargill
Dec 18, 20242 min read
Washington state's budget nightmare is its own fault
State legislators in Washington state have a big budget challenge ahead of them. If they want to know why, they should look in the...
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Jason Mercier
Dec 17, 20242 min read
Policy wish list for Idaho's 2025 Legislative Session
Santa isn't the only one with a list this time of year. While we aren't in the business of making a naughty list, there are several...
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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
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Jason Mercier
Nov 22, 20244 min read
Montana fights for pole position on lowest regional income tax rate
In the important race for tax competition, Governor Gianforte has announced a major income tax reduction proposal for the Treasure State....
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Jason Mercier
Nov 17, 20244 min read
Idaho should reform its ballot fiscal impact statement process
Idaho is one of 17 states that requires a fiscal impact statement for a proposed ballot measure. While this is an important transparency...
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Chris Cargill
Nov 14, 20242 min read
Legislative salary debate: how much is too much?
The roughly $5,000 hike means, collectively, Idaho would be spending about $525,000 more on legislative salaries. This represents .00009% of
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Sam Cardwell
Nov 1, 20243 min read
America's blank check spending mentality needs reform
It is no secret that America’s national debt is tremendously high. As of October 2024, we are in a $35.7 trillion hole that we need to...
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Sebastian Griffin
Oct 8, 20242 min read
Can you hear the wireless taxes now?
As the demand for wireless services continues to grow, many consumers may not realize that they are facing significant financial burdens...
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Madilynne Clark
Oct 1, 20243 min read
Oregon’s Measure 118: Corporate tax increase to pay for Universal Basic Income
This November, Oregon voters are being asked to become the first state to adopt a Universal Basic Income (UBI) of an estimated $1,600 per...
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