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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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Chris Cargill
Feb 162 min read
Local elections by district - an answer in search of a problem?
While district elections can help cities have members who highlight issues from specific neighborhoods, there are drawbacks. For example,
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Madilynne Clark
Feb 94 min read
Next steps for emergency powers reform
Though time is said to heal all wounds, the scars from the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns remain fresh as the nation experienced executive...
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Jason Mercier
Jan 304 min read
Two different approaches to Ranked Choice Voting introduced
Lawmakers in Washington State and Wyoming are taking two radically different approaches to Ranked Choice Voting (RCV). Washington...
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Sam Cardwell
Jan 224 min read
Idaho and Montana set the example for DOGE
President Donald Trump has big plans to tackle government efficiency and accountability during his new administration. This includes...
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Jason Mercier
Jan 153 min read
Washington lawmakers propose open government ombudsman
Several lawmakers in Washington state have proposed a bill to study the creation of an official open government ombudsman. The details...
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Chris Cargill
Jan 141 min read
Meet WONK - your new legislative best friend
Lawmaking isn't pretty, or easy. It shouldn't be. Thousands of pieces of legislation are introduced in state capitols and Washington,...
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Jason Mercier
Jan 144 min read
Are changes needed to Idaho's initiative process?
One of the most important powers secured by Idaho’s constitution is the right of the people to reject and propose laws via a referendum...
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Chris Cargill
Jan 122 min read
Blizzard of bills and a call for restraint
Do all states need a rule that limits a lawmaker's appetite for more and more legislation? Maybe. But we'd rather see a self-imposed diet.
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Jason Mercier
Jan 23 min read
Idaho lawmakers should make it easier for citizens to participate during the session
Ready or not Idaho’s 2025 Legislative Session starts on January 6. Many important policies will be considered ranging from education...
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Chris Cargill
Dec 27, 20241 min read
The latest Census population estimates are a big, big deal - here's why
Americans can vote by mail, vote in person and even vote with their feet. Indeed, policies have consequences. The latest data from the...
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Jason Mercier
Dec 26, 20244 min read
MSPC’s year in review
Legislative sessions across the Mountain States will kick off in January. We’re excited to see which of our policy recommendations...
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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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MSPC Newsroom
Dec 13, 20241 min read
Results of the 2024 Idaho Poll
The Idaho Poll is released every other December ahead of the legislative session to provide critical information regarding the state's top p
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Chris Cargill
Dec 9, 20242 min read
Voter turnout - which state does it best?
The data on voter turnout can help dispel myths about the voting policies in each 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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Sebastian Griffin
Nov 11, 20243 min read
Bringing transparency to Idaho municipalities
One of the most important responsibilities of government is to ensure transparency. While some states and government agencies excel at...
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Chris Cargill
Nov 8, 20242 min read
Should Washington and Oregon give their electoral votes to Donald Trump?
So far, Vice President Kamala Harris has won nearly 60% of the vote in Washington state. But under the National Popular Vote compact, Donald
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Jason Mercier
Nov 6, 20242 min read
Update on 2024 ballot measures in the Mountain States
Earlier this year Mountain States Policy Center wrote studies analyzing several ballot measures across the region. Here are the current...
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Jason Mercier
Nov 6, 20242 min read
Americans rejecting Ranked Choice Voting across the country in 2024
Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) was on the ballot this year in six states and voters are currently rejecting the controversial voting measure ...
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