Keeping the spirit of the western frontier alive

Why Are Coloradans Paid 30% More Than Montanans?

Why Are Coloradans Paid 30% More Than Montanans?

In 2019, a survey of 800+ Montana employers revealed that the number one obstacle to expanding employment is a lack of skilled workers. An overwhelming number of employers observed that: (a) schools are not adequately preparing students for the workforce; (b) schools are not adequately teaching students interpersonal skills; and (c) a majority of new...

By Benjamin Lindquist, Cody Bendix

Montana Red Tape Snapshot: 2024

Montana Red Tape Snapshot: 2024

Key points: The 13 agencies under Governor Gianforte’s jurisdiction have repealed or amended a total of 1,866 regulations, representing 16% of the 11,753 regulations originally on the books as of January 1, 2021. Montana saw a total reduction of 1,114 regulatory restrictions since 2021. From 2021 to 2023, agencies that participated in the Governor’s Red...

By Tanner Avery

Ready Or Not, Montanan High Schoolers Are Heading To College

Ready Or Not, Montanan High Schoolers Are Heading To College

Fall 2023 proved to be a windfall for the Montana University System. According to the latest headcount, enrollment hit its highest point since the COVID-19 pandemic, reaching 42,010 students. The University of Montana alone enrolled 10,327 students at its main campus. Missoula College had its largest freshman class since 2016. As the graph illustrates, over...

By Benjamin Lindquist, Cody Bendix

Redefining Public Schools

Redefining Public Schools

"With the introduction of education freedom laws, the legislature has fulfilled this mandate by expanding the system to encompass tangible options for parents that would otherwise be unattainable."

By Trish Schreiber

End The Property Tax Blame Game

End The Property Tax Blame Game

"Local governments must accept responsibility for what they can control: the growth of their annual budget as a means to enable property tax relief."

By Kendall Cotton

The Dawn of Education Freedom in Montana?

The Dawn of Education Freedom in Montana?

In October, an unprecedented event took place. Twenty-six charter school applications were submitted to the Montana Board of Public Education (BPE) for consideration. These 26 applications represent a remarkable statewide initiative to introduce charter schools to the Treasure State, something the education establishment has resisted for 31 years. During that time, 45 other states have...

By Benjamin Lindquist, Cody Bendix

Reform MEPA For A Better Climate

Reform MEPA For A Better Climate

Instead of stirring controversy, reforming MEPA could be a rare opportunity to forge bipartisan consensus around reforms that modernize the law for the 21st century, increase predictability for business and benefit the global climate.

By Kendall Cotton

Indians, Property Rights, and Ayn Rand

Indians, Property Rights, and Ayn Rand

In 1876, when rejecting the demand to move his people to a reservation, Chief Joseph said, “I claim a right to live on my land and accord you the privilege to return to yours.” To me, that sounds like a man who understands private property.

By Lawrence Reed