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Montana legislature overrides public records veto
Enhancing and complying with open government laws is important for a well-functioning and accountable government.
Jason Mercier
Jun 6, 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...
Sebastian Griffin
Jun 2, 20232 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.
Jason Mercier
Jun 1, 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.
Madilynne Clark
May 30, 20233 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 18, 20232 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 8, 20233 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.
Chris Cargill
May 3, 20231 min read


Foreign policy, education and elections - our conversation with U.S. Senator Jim Risch
Idaho Senator Jim Risch joined us at our inaugural Spring Dinner in Coeur d'Alene last week.
Chris Cargill
May 1, 20231 min read


Are advisory votes a good idea? It depends
Lawmakers in Washington State are moving forward with a bill to abolish the state's requirement for non-binding advisory votes on tax...
Chris Cargill
Apr 10, 20231 min read


Too much legislation? For citizens, it can be overwhelming
It’s almost unbelievable. Lawmakers across our region have introduced some 4,000 new laws over the past three months. That’s more than 40...
Chris Cargill
Apr 5, 20231 min read


Montana advances constitutional amendment to end Supreme Court elections
The people of the Treasure State may soon stop electing state Supreme Court justices. Montana's House Judiciary Committee this week...
Chris Cargill
Mar 30, 20231 min read


Idaho voters won't decide change to initiative gathering process
The Idaho House today turned down an effort to change the process for gathering signatures for initiatives. The majority voted in favor...
Chris Cargill
Mar 30, 20232 min read


Taxes, transparency and time – Idaho Senate action leaves much to be desired
The Idaho House and Senate worked throughout the session on a bill that would provide major property tax relief to the citizens of the...
Chris Cargill
Mar 27, 20233 min read


When will legislators adjourn? It depends
In Idaho, lawmakers are about ready to wrap up business. Probably. Maybe. While the legislative session is supposed to last 75-90 days,...
Chris Cargill
Mar 27, 20232 min read


Advisory vote on "funding private schools" won't happen
Today, the Idaho House shot down a proposal to place a misleading and controversial advisory question on the 2024 general election...
Chris Cargill
Mar 21, 20232 min read


Clock ticking on Montana's various proposed constitutional amendments
Voters in Montana could soon see a flurry of state constitutional amendments on their ballots. Lawmakers have proposed more than 50...
Chris Cargill
Mar 20, 20231 min read


Ed choice advisory vote is a mistake & won’t provide complete picture
The legislature exists to make the best policies for sometimes complex issues while representing the will of the people. This is why...
Chris Cargill
Mar 18, 20233 min read


Advisory vote on education choice is simplistic & unwise - here's a better idea
The Idaho House Education Committee is considering a proposal to place an advisory question before voters next fall (2024) regarding...
Chris Cargill
Mar 14, 20232 min read


Idaho Senate puts initiative changes to voters
A constitutional amendment that would change the way the citizens of Idaho gather signatures for an initiative is one step closer to...
Chris Cargill
Feb 27, 20232 min read


Supreme Court should rule in favor of protecting freedom of expression online
Today the United States Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in Gonzalez v. Google, a case that could critically undermine free...
Chris Cargill
Feb 21, 20232 min read
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