Montana Policy Institute

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MPI Monthly UpdateSeptember, 2010
From the President's Desk...
Dear Friend of Freedom,
  
   Well the elections are in full swing and with absentee ballots going out in early October, newspapers, billboards, and airwaves are already filling up with howling messages to vote for or against someone or something.  I recommend that you do.  How's that for nonpartisan?
  I also recommend that you think about what happens after November 2nd.  Many of you are making personal investments by putting up yard signs, knocking on doors, and writing checks to your favorite candidates and causes.  And that's all good.  We're not afraid of an active and informed electorate.  In fact, the more informed you are the better for our state since most people recognize the benefits of self government and free enterprise when they see them. But all that effort, passion, and learning can go to waste if the people we elect in November don't follow up on their promises in January when the legislature meets. 
  That's where MPI comes in.  We're your insurance policy - or maybe your policy insurance - against wavering and waffling by your electoral investments.  We'll be providing our elected officials with hard data, usable information, and practical ideas to tackle the serious problems Montana is facing.  And we'll be watching to make sure they do what they were hired to do - ensure that legitimate government functions are provided as effectively and efficiently as possible.
  The kickoff for this process is our Legislators' Forum on November 16th in Helena.  We'll have national, state, and local experts  talking to our new (and experienced) legislators about cutting government waste, reforming our broken budget system, respecting property rights, and getting our kids the best education for the dollar.  Former representative Duncan Hunter will also provide the lunch keynote with an informative talk about current national security issues.  This landmark event will have people talking all year, and you're invited!
  So, don't forget to renew your policy insurance this year by supporting MPI, and then come to Helena in November to learn more about what the people we send there should be doing.  We'll save you a seat!


In Freedom,
Carl Graham
Major Project Updates
 
 - Tweet Montana:  We've got a new site that follows the Twitter feeds of every elected official (and candidate during campaign season) in the state...well, at least those who Tweet. If you're a political junkie or just want to keep track of what they're saying, this is your one-stop website for all of them.

 - 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.   Follow us on Twitter
  
-  Legislators' Forum: Mark your calendar for our second biennial Legislators' Forum on November 16th in Helena.  We've already booked speakers on health care reform, budget reform, tax reform, property rights and education reform. Former Rep. Duncan Hunter will be the lunch keynote.  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.
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. 
In This Issue
From the President
Project Updates
Latest Posts
About MPI
MPI on the Web


 
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Upcoming Events
 
October 14-15.  Exempt Wells Workshop. Carl will keynote breakfast on the 15th.
 
November 16: Legislators' Forum, Helena.
 
See our Google Calendar here for details and more events..
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.
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
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!