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From the President's Desk...
Dear Friend of Freedom,
I'd like to take just a few paragraphs and let you know what's coming up as we start thinking about the 2011 legislative session in Helena. I've been asked while traveling around the state whether MPI is going to support or oppose various candidates, initiatives, or legislation. The short answer is "no."
It's not that there aren't good (and bad) candidates, legislation, and initiatives out there. It's just that as a 501c3 nonprofit we can't endorse or oppose them, and I actually like that.
You see, there are plenty of groups and individuals out there pushing their specific agendas and tying them to specific people and/or laws. And that's fine. In fact it's great. A healthy marketplace of ideas requires both advocates and detractors.
But there is also a place for more general and nonpartisan arguments favoring our ability to exercise free will subject to preserving others' ability to do the same. We hear every day from those who favor a large, bureaucratic government that spends as much time protecting us from ourselves as from the unscrupulous among us. There needs to be another voice, a voice for free enterprise, free choices, and personal responsibility.
So our job at MPI is to make strong, logical, factual, and analytical cases for self government and free enterprise; to show the costs and unintended consequences of government intervention even as its advocates make their sales pitches about its benefits. We do policy, not politics. And that makes our voice stronger and more credible as the rhetorical volume increases and people look for refuge from the constant din of campaigning for or against this or that.
People will more often than not make the right choices if given the right arguments. We are still a right of center country even if the current political, judicial, and pop culture elite are not. Our job at MPI is to give Montanans the arguments and analysis to separate the wheat from the chaff and make their own decisions about what is right for themselves, their families, their communities, and this great state.
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Major Project Updates
- Discussion Forums: These aren't really programs, but every so often we get an opportunity to bring outstanding speakers to our membership and guests. In late August we brought Lawrence Reed, president of the Foundation for Economic Education to Billings, Bozeman, and Missoula to talk about the Great Depression and the origins of money. We had great turnouts and will be looking for more opportunities to bring this type of quality program to the state.
- Health Care Reform: We're continuing to update our health care reform resource page with analyses of the bill and news about initiatives across the country to oppose it. This bill must be repealed and replaced before it begins to create a new dependent class starting in 2014! There are parts to keep and better reforms to put in place, but this one has to go. - Global Warming Resources Page: Cap-and-Trade is back with a newly named but same old cap and tax Kerry-Lieberman bill in the Senate. It's not moving right now, but it's still alive. In addition, the Western Climate Initiative, a regional cap and tax scheme, has been resuscitated. We did an analysis awhile back and found it the same old song and dance. We're also keeping you up to date with both the science and policy that will shape the course of future energy policy and Montana's energy potential.
- Montana Watchdog: Get the latest news beyond the newspaper from our two full time investigative reporters. We know we're on the right track because the state's legacy media is stealing our stories. You can also get more perspective and analysis from the blog and Twitter feeds.
- Legislators' Forum: Mark your calendar for our second Legislators' Forum on November 16th. We've already booked speakers on health care reform, budget reform, tax reform, property rights. We'll also roll out our own studies on state spending, performance-based budgeting, and specific ideas on where to cut the budget without harming funding for legitimate state government functions. You can find a draft agenda, sponsorship opportunities, and registration information here. |
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Latest Posts
MPI Investigates:
Go to www.MontanaWatchdog.org for the latest stories and investigative reports, including looks at employee compensation, land use, FWP land buys, and much more.
MPI Guest Editorials
See all of our Op Ed's here.
MPI Blogs
See all of our blogs here.
Policy Meets World
Nick continues to find and post great videos with common sense takes on current events here. If this page isn't a part of your weekly routine for humor with a message, you're really missing out on some classic entertainment and information. |
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Upcoming Events
See our Google Calendar here for details and more events.. |
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Need a Speaker?
What a coincidence! We like to speak.
Book Carl or let us help find the right person for your free market event.
Contact us here and let's put something together. |
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About MPI
The Montana Policy Institute (MPI) is a free market think tank focused on Montana issues. We provide credible nonpartisan expertise and analysis to help Montanans advocate for policies that are based on a respect for freedom, an expectation of responsibility, and the idea that government intervention should be the last rather than first resort when addressing public policy challenges.
To find out more, visit us at: www.montanapolicy.org
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Help advance freedom and limited government in Montana.
Introducing MPI's $10 in 2010 club - a vibrant, vigilant and sustainable support for the cause of liberty, through active membership. Your donation will create a sustainable funding source to ensure our continued efforts in policy analysis and proactive outreach and education.
Click here to join the $10 in 2010 club. Your credit card will be automatically billed every month for just $10. It's totally secure. You can cancel or change your commitment at any time. And we'll mail a receipt for your total contribution at the end of the year. That's all there is to it! | |
