Some bad news today from the U.S. Census Bureau. The most recent poverty numbers show that the national rate grew to 15.1 percent in 2010.
“Another 2.6 million people slipped below the poverty line in 2010, meaning 46.2 million people now live in poverty in the United States, the highest number in the 52 years the Census Bureau has been tracking it.” –Â The New York Times
In Idaho, the poverty rate rose to 14 percent, up from 13.7 percent in 2009. That tracks with the state’s Medicaid enrollment numbers, which continue to rise. According to a report from the state Department of Health and Welfare, average monthly enrollment grew by 9 percent from 2009 to 2010. Enrollment grew further from 2010 to 2011.
The Idaho Statesman is reporting August tax collections were 4.4 percent below the projected $199 million because of lower-than-expected sales and individual income taxes.
“Since sales-tax collections are a near real-time economic indicator, their lower-than-expected performance may raise concerns that the economy is not recovering as strongly as predicted.” – The Division of Financial Management
The state budget is based on tax collection estimates. When those estimates are off, so is the budget. July receipts fared better, so revenues are 2.2 percent off target for the fiscal year.
StateImpact Idaho is your source for statewide economic coverage. It’s a new collaboration between Boise State Public Radio and NPR with emphasis on in-depth economic reporting.
We’re excited about what we have planned over the next few months. Here’s a sneak peek:
- Where is Idaho’s economy today? We keeping hearing the words “economic recovery” but has that phrase really landed here? We’ll take an in depth look at how people are reacting and adapting to a changing economy.
- Planning for the future. How are area businesses and entrepreneurs trying to launch new ventures in sectors of the economy that show growth potential? We’ll dive into the renewable, innovative and high paying industries that could bring jobs to Idaho.
- Outside influence. What impacts do local, state and federal governments have on economic growth and job creation? We’ll examine how policies affect existing industries like tourism, agriculture and natural resource development.
Emilie Ritter Saunders and Molly Messick will post, report and discover new information every day to share with you on this website and over Boise State Public Radio’s airwaves. The goal is both broadcast and online stories that gauge the impact of policy on YOU the tax payer, farmer, entrepreneur, homeowner, and job-seeker .
Let us know what economic stories you’d like us to cover. Share your ideas!