Budget/Tax

Which state is the most taxpayer-friendly?

Dec 203 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...

Washington state's budget nightmare is its own fault

Chris Cargill

Dec 182 min read

BUDGET/TAX

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...

Policy wish list for Idaho's 2025 Legislative Session

Jason Mercier

Dec 172 min read

GOVERNANCE

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...

Idaho’s grocery tax is a real turkey, but state income tax is the pig

Chris Cargill

Nov 263 min read

BUDGET/TAX

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

Montana fights for pole position on lowest regional income tax rate

Jason Mercier

Nov 224 min read

BUDGET/TAX

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....

Idaho should reform its ballot fiscal impact statement process

Jason Mercier

Nov 174 min read

GOVERNANCE

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...

Legislative salary debate: how much is too much?

Chris Cargill

Nov 142 min read

BUDGET/TAX

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

America's blank check spending mentality needs reform

Sam Cardwell

Nov 13 min read

BUDGET/TAX

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...

Sebastian Griffin

Oct 82 min read

BUDGET/TAX

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...

Oregon’s Measure 118: Corporate tax increase to pay for Universal Basic Income

Madilynne Clark

Oct 13 min read

BUDGET/TAX

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...

Wyoming’s SJR 3: Property tax changes for owner occupied residences

Jason Mercier

Oct 14 min read

BUDGET/TAX

Wyoming’s SJR 3: Property tax changes for owner occupied residences

This November, Wyoming voters will decide whether to amend the state constitution and change how property tax is applied for owner...

Mostly high marks for our region in Schweitzer's 2024 Index of Freedom report

Sam Cardwell

Sep 182 min read

BUSINESS CLIMATE

Mostly high marks for our region in Schweitzer's 2024 Index of Freedom report

Regionally based Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) recently released its 2024 Index of Freedom report . The top five states in...

New taxes, spending, recess time, and school board spouses

Chris Cargill

Sep 122 min read

EDUCATION

New taxes, spending, recess time, and school board spouses

When the Idaho School Boards Association (ISBA) meets in Boise in November to pass a legislative platform, they may want to reconsider their

Does higher spending equal better education outcomes?

Sam Cardwell

Aug 262 min read

EDUCATION

Does higher spending equal better education outcomes?

K-12 public school spending is at an all-time high, and America spends more per student than any other developed nation. In 2022, the...

Failure to extend the Federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) would hurt taxpayers

Sam Cardwell

Aug 193 min read

BUDGET/TAX

Failure to extend the Federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) would hurt taxpayers

Unless Congress acts soon, taxpayers across the Mountain States will face an automatic tax increase next year. This is because lawmakers...

Fifth Circuit Declares Universal Service Fund Fee Unconstitutional

Sebastian Griffin

Aug 122 min read

INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY

Fifth Circuit Declares Universal Service Fund Fee Unconstitutional

The recent decision by the Fifth Circuit to declare the Universal Service Fund (USF) fee unconstitutional marks a pivotal moment in the...

Jason Mercier

Aug 73 min read

BUDGET/TAX

Montana considering “Truth in Taxation”

To help address concerns about increasing property taxes, Montana policymakers are actively considering adopting “Truth in Taxation.”...

Return to sender: Why policymakers should avoid retail delivery fees

Sam Cardwell

Aug 64 min read

BUSINESS CLIMATE

Return to sender: Why policymakers should avoid retail delivery fees

As the world becomes more digitized almost every consumer participates in online shopping. Forbes estimates in the U.S. that 20.1% of all...

Rebates are better than repeal for Idaho’s controversial grocery tax

Chris Cargill

Jul 252 min read

BUDGET/TAX

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.

Now Available: The Mountain States Policy Manual

Jason Mercier

Jul 153 min read

GOVERNANCE

Now Available: The Mountain States Policy Manual

The Mountain States Policy Manual is a 200-page guide filled with facts, figures, research and more than 80 recommendations – it is an...

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