Jason Mercier
Idaho should reform its ballot fiscal impact statement process
The need for this type of reform came into clear focus with the most recent debate surrounding Proposition 1.
The main policy event is after the election
No doubt there will be an equal number of us feeling hope or despair after the ballots are counted.
Idaho’s Prop 1: Enacting Rank Choice Voting and a Top 4 primary for state elections
Secretary McGrane wrote: “Transitioning vote tabulation systems would be a very significant undertaking.”
Open primaries bill introduced in Congress
The right of a U.S. citizen to vote in any taxpayer-funded election for public office shall not be denied or abridged on the grounds of political party affiliation or lack thereof.
For Sunshine Week, consider creating an open government ombudsman
Strong open government laws are critical to a well-functioning republic and ensuring public accountability.
Changes to school bond vote requirements should be tied to the November general election
Moving to a 3/5 vote requirement for school bonds, IF the election is required to be held at the November general for maximum voter turnout and involvement.
Importance of open government laws on display with shocking stories
The people, in delegating authority, do not give their public servants the right to decide what is good for the people to know and what is not good for them to know.
Protect taxpayers by putting supermajority for tax increase requirements in state constitution
With the exception of Washington state, policymakers in the Mountain States (Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming) have been very active the last few years prioritizing tax relief for citizens while making fiscally conservative budget investments.
Truth in Taxation improves property tax transparency
Property taxes are an important part of the tax base for school districts, local governments, and many states.
My checklist for analyzing policy
While politics, name-calling, and resorting to partisan labels may make for good TV, it rarely results in good policy.