State Braces for Redistricting

Phil Drake | 2010-03-05

Helena - State officials are launching a series of public hearings next month in what could be the opening volley in a political tug of war over the boundaries of Montana's legislative and congressional districts. Read More ...

Tea Partiers Rally for Less Spending

By: Phil Drake | 2010-03-03

HELENA – State lawmakers were given a stern warning Wednesday to be more fiscally responsible and cut back on growing budgets or face the wrath of voters at the polls.  Read More ...

Cities Applying Brakes to Travel Budgets
 

By: Michael Noyes | 2010-02-22

 BOZEMAN - City administrators around the state say they plan to hold the line on travel budgets and make increased use of technology as local governments look to trim costs in a tight economy.

 

     In Bozeman, the city budgeted $316,068 but spent only $171,880.90 in Fiscal Year 2009, the most recently completed fiscal year. Similarly, Missoula spent less than half of their budgeted travel money in FY 2009, according to figures provided by the two cities. Read More ...
 
 

MPI Releases Cap-and-Trade Study

 

The Montana Economy:
How Will Climate Change Legislation Impact Economic & Job Growth

The report provides an insight into costs to Montanans of current cap-and-trade legislation being considered in Congress. Key findings include:

  • Montana coal production would be reduced by 94% - 96%
  • Montana industrial output would decrease by as much as 13.3%
  • Legislation would result in a net loss (after "green" job gains) of as many as 6,800 Montana jobs
  • Montana Gross State Product (GSP) would decline by $900 million to $1.2 billion.

If this report is not being covered by your local media, ASK WHY.  They're covering every report on green job potential, green house gas dangers, and the benefits of renewable energy.  That's all well and good, but these potential gains are not free and we need people to make informed decisions about the benefits and costs of policy decisions that will profoundly impact our way of life.

See the full study here.  (5mb Get the Adobe Reader)

A smaller guest opinion is here.

 Property Rights Forum a Great Success

 

MPI and PERC hosted over 200 people in Bozeman on the 18th to talk about property rights in Montana.  We'll have more information next week on follow-up materials and actions. 

 CATO's Randal O'Toole discusses Smart Growth in the this quick video from the forum:

 

 All speaker videos now available!

Agenda, Speaker Lineup and More Info Here

 

 
Global Warming Resources Page.

 

We're compiling the best articles, opinions, research (including our own) on the science, policy, and politics of global warming.  Call it the home page for skeptics.

 

Here's a sampling, but there's lots, lots more; and we'll continue to provide updates.

3/9/10: CATO's policy guide to climate change legislation.  A good primer on the issues and the science.

2/24/10: "Al Gore's Nine Lies" from Investors' Business Daily.

 

Visit our Free Market Health Care Reform resources page often for updated information.  Then send a fax, make a phone call, send an email.  Tell them you don't want to turn your health care decisions (and your wallet) over to government bureaucrats. 

 “We Estimate That Between 9 Million And 10 Million Other People Who Would Be Covered By An Employment-Based Plan Under Current Law Would Not Have An Offer Of Such Coverage Under The Proposal.” 
(CBO, “Additional Information About Employment-Based Coverage,” 12/7/09) 

Latest Posts:  

3/8/10: A good discussion of the "Two Bill" process and reconciliation.

3/8/10: "What the House Would have to Swallow in the Senate Bill" from Heritage.

3/8/10: The "Rahming" of Rep. Massa over his Health Care vote from the Left-of-Center www.Firedoglake.com.

3/8/10: A very comprehensive guide to health care reform booklet.

  policy meets world.

The latest cutting edge media shots of issues that freedom lovers need to follow. Read More...