Morning News: Gov. Otter Asks Agencies To Plan For Reduced Federal Money, Property Values Hit Bottom In Ada County

‘Citizens United’ Gets Renewed Scrutiny – “As early as Monday, the Supreme Court could decide to revisit its landmark Citizens United ruling of two and a half years ago. That case gave corporations the green light to spend unlimited amounts in political campaigns. Now, a Montana case could lead the high court to take a second look at Citizens United.” NPR

Magic Valley Unemployment Numbers on the Rise – “The city of Twin Falls and Twin Falls County each recorded increased unemployment from April to May, according to statistics released by the Idaho Department of Labor. The city jumped from 8 percent in April to 8.4 percent last month. The county’s jobless percentage increased from 7.5 in April to 7.9 in May. Jerome County’s unemployment rate jumped, too. It went from 7 percent in April to 7.7 percent in May.” Times-News

Otter: Plan For 20 Percent Cuts In Federal Money – “Federal aid supports more than one-third of state spending. A possible $1.2 trillion in automatic, across-the-board budget cuts in domestic and military spending could be triggered under the Budget Control Act over the next 10 years. The cuts, known in Congress-speak as “sequestration,” are due to start in January because a special panel failed to reach a deal last summer to reduce the deficit.” Associated Press

Ada property values have bottomed out – “After three years of double-digit declines, Ada County property values leveled out in 2011, with a decline of just 1.7 percent last year. Ada County Assessor Bob McQuade said real estate is now beginning a slow climb out. Hitting rock bottom entailed a 33 percent decline in assessed property values in just four years.” Idaho Statesman