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Chris Cargill
Jan 112 min read
This misguided grocery store definition could cost jobs, hurt economy
Like it or not, the way we shop has dramatically changed. More Americans are doing their shopping online or at a discount warehouse. Fewer g
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...
Madilynne Clark
Dec 19, 20243 min read
New banking hurdles mean most Americans finish last
In any relay race, when the first leg stumbles out of the gate, every team member is hurt. Regulators recently placed a massive hurdle of...
Amber Gunn
Dec 10, 20243 min read
Christmas comes early for American small businesses
Sometimes the best gift is simply the absence of something—especially if that something is an invasive federal rule that violates the...
Chris Cargill
Dec 5, 20242 min read
The federal red tape ruining Christmas
The Federal Register – a manual of proposed and final rules and regulations required by federal bureaucrats – has hit a new record and is li
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....
Amber Gunn
Oct 21, 20244 min read
Rent control is a great destroyer
In a market economy, whenever there is a “shortage” of any product, rationing occurs by price, and the price is determined by the choices of
Chris Cargill
Oct 10, 20242 min read
Who’s spending $1,100 an hour trying to block the Albertsons-Kroger merger?
State-specific action costing taxpayers millions of dollars even has a skeptic on the bench.
Amber Gunn
Oct 3, 20244 min read
Lawmakers move to protect property owners from squatters
Legislation proposed in Wyoming would help owners remove illegal occupants (also known as squatters) from their property. The issue...
Chris Cargill
Sep 30, 20244 min read
Spokane’s Prop 1: The Community Safety Sales Tax
Like many cities across Washington state, the city of Spokane is facing a public safety crisis. Graffiti and garbage line many downtown...
Madilynne Clark
Sep 23, 20243 min read
Washington’s Initiative 2066: Promoting energy choice by protecting access to natural gas for homes and businesses
This November, Washington voters will decide if consumer energy choices deserve protection. Over the course of the last year, Washington...
Sam Cardwell
Sep 18, 20242 min read
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...
Sam Cardwell
Aug 19, 20243 min read
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...
Jason Mercier
Aug 13, 20243 min read
Mountain States lead the way in regulatory freedom
When it comes to finding regulatory freedom, head West, at least until you get to the coast. According to the latest rankings from the...
Sam Cardwell
Aug 6, 20244 min read
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...
Chris Cargill
Jul 29, 20242 min read
Protect teen jobs by avoiding costly minimum wage increases
Raising the minimum wage is a policy discussion ripe with tradeoffs. On the one hand, a hike in hourly pay could help some low-income...
Jason Mercier
Jul 15, 20243 min read
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...
Chris Cargill
Jul 12, 20242 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
Madilynne Clark
Jun 11, 20243 min read
Boise, Billings and Spokane: Three approaches, three outcomes
Where should you live in the Mountain States? The question seems to be on the country’s mind as it has been the fastest growing region...
Madilynne Clark
Jun 10, 20243 min read
The Lemonade Stand and the fines that weren't fair
At the start of the summer and as days are getting warm an American pastime is for kids to run a lemonade stand. These stands are often...
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