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WHAT WE COVER


WHAT WE COVER
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JOIN JUDGE JEANINE IN COEUR D'ALENE APRIL 11TH!


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...


Chris Cargill
May 24, 20241 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.


Madilynne Clark
May 16, 20245 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...


Jason Mercier
May 8, 20242 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
Apr 23, 20243 min read
Supreme Court seems split over city homeless regulations
The case has the potential to reshape any municipality's ability to adopt laws that would prevent homeless camping, especially in areas wher


Sam Cardwell
Apr 23, 20243 min read
Powering the Mountain States: A snapshot of the region’s energy portfolio
By embracing baseload sources like natural gas, hydro, and nuclear these states can continue towards a more prosperous and resilient future.

MSPC Newsroom
Apr 17, 20242 min read
MSPC launches new children's book series to teach kids about free markets
MSPC launches new children's book series to teach kids about free markets


Olivia Johnston
Apr 16, 20244 min read
U.S. Supreme Court upholds constitutional safeguards against undue building fees
Government officials have been placed on notice by the U.S. Supreme Court concerning undue impact fees.


Jason Mercier
Apr 3, 20246 min read
Idaho's 2024 Legislative Session: Policy success and reforms still needed
There were several exciting reforms advanced, a few disappointing roadblocks hit, and a couple of head-scratching moments.
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