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A taxpayer receipt in Idaho would help provide a snapshot of government spending
We’re all familiar with the shopping experience of seeing the total amount we owe ring up on the register and then being provided with an itemized receipt showing what we purchased. This simple sheet of paper helps us remember and understand where our shopping dollars went. Now imagine if you were provided with a taxpayer […]
Idaho lawmakers should provide at least three-day notice of bills scheduled for public hearing
We’re still a few months away from the start of Idaho’s 2024 legislative session in January, but there is one rule change that we’d like to see lawmakers make to improve public participation in the legislative process. To help maximize public involvement in their governance, lawmakers should amend their rules to require at least three-day […]
Do you know who you are paying taxes to? A tax transparency website for Idaho would help.
To be fully engaged in our governance, we need to be able to evaluate the level and value of service we receive for the taxes we pay. One of the ways to do this is with budget transparency resources like Transparent Idaho and Washington State Fiscal Information. Spending details, however, are only part of the […]
Idahoans deserve truth, transparency in taxation. Utah has a model that could help.
Like many homeowners I recently received my property tax assessment. It showed a huge increase in my home’s value. My reaction was that of excitement thinking about the growth of my home equity. For others, this type of news could lead to deep fear believing a massive property tax bill will soon follow. For reasons […]
A declaration for self-governance heard around the world
Americans will celebrate the 247th anniversary of our Declaration of Independence on July 4. While this is undoubtedly the biggest birthday party we will participate in this year (please avoid putting Roman candles on the cake), it is important to remember what the Fourth of July is all about. The Continental Congress declared on July […]