top of page
Jason Mercier
Aug 16, 20238 min read
Lawmaking in Idaho – How the Gem State’s Legislative Process Works
How do the legislatures in the Mountain States work? Here is the response we received from the Idaho Legislative Services Office (LSO).
Chris Cargill
Aug 10, 20239 min read
A new commitment centers conservatism in freedom & free markets
These principles affirm our commitment to free enterprise, free trade, free speech, strong families, balanced budgets, and the rule of law.
Jason Mercier
Aug 8, 20234 min read
An overview of the legislative process in Washington state
How do the legislatures in the Mountain States work? To answer this question, we checked with legislative officials in each state.
Jason Mercier
Jul 25, 20236 min read
Understanding the Wyoming legislative process
How does the Wyoming Legislature work? Here is the response we received from the Wyoming Legislative Service Office (LSO).
Jason Mercier
Jul 17, 20233 min read
Definitions for MSPC frequently used terms
To help provide context for our recommendations and analysis, here is a description of what these terms mean.
Chris Cargill
Jul 16, 20231 min read
Is it possible to "disagree passionately without destroying"?
The Governors of Utah and Colorado are very different. One is a Republican and member of the LDS Church, the other is a Jewish Democrat...
Chris Cargill
Jul 11, 20232 min read
Power to the people, via the legislative branch
There’s a reason it comes first. Article One, Section One of the U.S. Constitution says, “all legislative powers shall be vested in a...
Olivia Johnston
Jun 30, 20233 min read
The Supreme Court case that could hold Congress more accountable
Chevron has tipped the scales in the government’s favor, causing an imbalance in the delicate powers of our American governmental system.
Jason Mercier
Jun 28, 20233 min read
A declaration for self-governance heard around the world
Our republic is worth keeping but its future depends on all of us working together to protect it.
Jason Mercier
Jun 22, 20233 min read
State Attorneys General remind the federal government about importance of federalism
The proposed changes to the federal rule-making process need a rewrite to embrace the constitutional promise of federalism.
Jason Mercier
Jun 12, 20232 min read
Checklist for analyzing policy
We need to leave the yelling for the sporting events and instead focus our public policy debates in a constructive and thoughtful way.
Chris Cargill
Jun 9, 20231 min read
The "12th circuit" - lawmakers push new federal appeals court
The newest proposal to add a 12th Circuit would create two new appellate court judgeships for the Ninth Circuit.
Chris Cargill
Jun 9, 20231 min read
Federal regulations surge, but Mountain States lead by example
It's a very different story at the local level. In fact, Idaho is the least regulated state in the country.
Jason Mercier
Jun 6, 20232 min read
Montana legislature overrides public records veto
Enhancing and complying with open government laws is important for a well-functioning and accountable government.
Sebastian Griffin
Jun 2, 20232 min read
From counting ceiling tiles to crafting messages - meet MSPC's Sebastian Griffin
I was a sophomore in high school, going through the motions of the day-to-day routine. Homeroom, Math, English, maybe weight room. But...
Jason Mercier
Jun 1, 20233 min read
Greetings from Jason Mercier - MSPC’s new Vice President and Director of Research
Non-partisan policy based on facts and not emotion is just what the country needs right now, and MSPC is well-positioned to help.
Madilynne Clark
May 30, 20233 min read
Supreme Court cleans up the Clean Water Act
Thanks to the perseverance of a Northern Idaho couple, the Clean Water Act (CWA), is less polluted by bureaucratic expansion.
Chris Cargill
May 18, 20232 min read
Supreme Court ruling means victory for free speech online
The U.S. Supreme Court has upheld Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act and, in the process, protected free speech online.
Chris Cargill
May 8, 20233 min read
Five reasons why ranked choice voting is a bad idea
Ranked choice voting (RCV) may be the bigger issue here. Idaho legislators passed a bill this session that outlaws ranked choice voting.
Chris Cargill
May 3, 20231 min read
How many introduced bills actually become law?
Lawmakers across the region have introduced more than 4,000 new laws in 2023 legislative sessions.
bottom of page