Idaho

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Exploring the policies and politics that help or stand in the way of job creation.

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Governor Otter Backs Labor Director on Opposing Extended Unemployment Benefits

Earlier this week Idaho’s Department of Labor Director Roger Madsen asked state lawmakers and Idaho’s congressional delegation to oppose any further extension of federal unemployment insurance benefits. Now, Republican Governor Butch Otter is weighing in (through his spokesman), after the Idaho Democratic Party said Madsen should resign.  Here’s what The Idaho Statesman is reporting: “The […]

Labor Director Opposes Extending Unemployment Benefits

In a move that surprised advocates for Idaho’s disadvantaged, Idaho Department of Labor Director Roger Madsen today urged state lawmakers and Idaho’s Congressional delegation to oppose the further extension of federal unemployment insurance benefits.  Madsen said his aim is to bolster the program’s long-term strength.   In a letter addressed to Idaho U.S. Senator Mike Crapo […]

Tax Credit Tradeoff Elusive To Measure

This week I’ve been looking at some of Idaho’s business tax credits.  I spoke with a non-partisan expert, the state Department of Commerce, a state tax expert and a business owner.  I wanted to better understand the kind of tradeoffs the state is willing to make in order to develop new industries and expand existing […]

Idaho’s 5 Most Popular Business Tax Incentives

Idaho offers nine different tax credit programs for businesses.  We’re highlighting the five most popular.  The investment tax credit is used far more than any other credit-type incentive.  In 2009, businesses collected more than $26 million under that credit alone, according to the Division of Financial Management. Here’s a look at the other most frequently used […]

One Take on How Tax Incentives Work

Michael Mazerov is a Senior Fellow with the State Fiscal Project at The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.  I contacted the center to discuss the potential shortfalls of Idaho tax incentive programs after coming across this article. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities is a non-partisan research and policy institute which works at […]

Idaho’s Investment Tax Credit Explained

Idaho’s most popular tax incentive is the three percent investment tax credit.  Businesses that purchase qualifying new equipment can earn an income tax credit.  The credit can offset up to half of a company’s state income tax liability and can be carried forward up to 14 years. Dan John manages tax policy at the Idaho […]

Idaho Tax Incentives: What’s the Tradeoff?

The Idaho Department of Commerce homepage makes no bones about it. They want to recruit new businesses to the Gem State and encourage existing companies to expand by offering a slew of tax credits and incentives to make it happen. The Commerce Department’s website lists 18 different business incentive programs.  Many of them are broad […]

Feds Sue Idaho Tax-Protester Rep. Phil Hart

The Idaho Business Review is reporting north Idaho lawmaker Phil Hart is being sued for nearly $550,000 in unpaid income taxes, penalties and interest.  The U.S. government is asking Idaho’s federal district court to sign off on foreclosing some of Hart’s property in Kootenai County. Hart is a Republican from Hayden, Idaho.  He’s serving his […]

Three Reasons Why Idaho’s Senators Don’t Like New USDA Lunch Recommendations

Idaho’s senators are trying to block new USDA  recommendations that would limit servings of potatoes to school kids. The Northwest News Network reports the USDA is recommending that districts in the National School Lunch Program limit servings of starchy vegetables to one cup a week per student.  That means fewer scoops of corn, lima beans […]

Idaho Could Follow Other States in Pursuing Drug Tests for Welfare Recipients

The New York Times is drawing attention to the large number of states that have this year considered implementing drug testing for people who receive public assistance. “[Thirty-six] states considered drug testing for recipients of cash assistance from the major welfare program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures; […]

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