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Growth, recession, the transition of Idaho’s economy, and the effects of change on Idahoans.

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January 23, 2012

A County-by-County Look at Idaho’s Jobless Rate

As we reported Friday, Idaho’s jobless rate ticked down one-tenth of a percent to 8.4 for the month of December.  Because of last week’s snowstorm, the Idaho Department of Labor didn’t have county-by-county data immediately available, but now it’s here. The department reports the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped in 27 of Idaho’s 44 counties […]

State Spending for Idaho Colleges and Universities Below 2006 Levels

It’s education week at the Idaho Legislature.  Today, tomorrow and Wednesday officials from Idaho’s universities and community colleges will be asking lawmakers to spend money on infrastructure, employee salaries and programs to keep their schools moving forward. Governor Butch Otter’s budget for fiscal year 2013 recommends legislators appropriate about $254 million for universities and community […]

January 20, 2012

Essential StateImpact: Top Five Stories of the Week

Here’s a look at the five stories that got the most comments, clicks, shares and likes at StateImpact Idaho this week. Economist Says Idaho Is in a “Low-Skill, Low-Wage Trap”: Idaho jobs pay considerably less than the U.S. average, nearly $11,000 less in 2009.  In a recent study two economists began with a simple question: […]

Idaho’s Jobless Rate Drops Slightly in December

Idaho’s unemployment rate is now at its lowest level in nearly three years.  The Department of Labor reports the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate ticked down one-tenth of a percent to 8.4 for the month of December. Idaho’s jobless rate hit a record high of 9.7 percent in December 2010.  Those gains mark the largest year-over-year […]

January 19, 2012

Visual Aid: Idaho’s Food Stamp Use Nearly Triples in Four Years

Back in November, StateImpact Idaho reported on the growing number of people using SNAP benefits (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) commonly known as food stamps.  The program is in the news again this week after lawmakers were briefed on the data and Idaho grocery stores committed $100,000 to changing the way food stamps are distributed. We […]

January 13, 2012

Essential StateImpact: Top Five Stories of the Week

A lot of news came out of the Idaho Capitol this week.  In case you missed anything, we bundled our five most viewed stories in one nifty package. Idaho’s Former Chief Economist Critical of Gov’s Budget Proposal: For 26 years Mike Ferguson was Idaho’s chief economist.  He helped craft a lot of state budgets before […]

January 12, 2012

Nearly 1,000 Idaho State Employees Laid-Off Since 2007

Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter said Idaho will not and has not faced “staggering” state employee layoffs like many other states have during his annual State of the State address delivered Monday.  But what does “staggering” mean?  Idaho has laid-off 928 people over the last five years.  The state’s total workforce has averaged about 24,700 employees […]

January 11, 2012

Gov. Otter’s Salary Increased 4 Percent From Last Year

Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter’s salary is up 4 percent from last year according to the annual Rainbow Report issued by the state controller’s office. The Lewiston Tribune reports despite that 4 percent pay raise, the gap is widening between Otter’s salary and the highest paid state employee (Boise State University’s football coach). The governor’s fiscal […]

January 9, 2012

December Individual Income Tax Collections Lower Than Expected

The Division of Financial Management released its monthly general fund revenue report today with mixed news.  First the good, sales tax collections exceeded expectations for the month of December, due in large part to the holiday shopping season. “Idaho gross sales tax collections in December were $94.9 million, an increase of 9.0% over the previous […]

January 6, 2012

Essential StateImpact: Top Five Posts of the Week

Each week we compile our stories that got the most views, comments and shares.  So, in case you missed anything, take a closer look. Bogus Basin Ski Area Cuts Pay, Hours and Jobs: The lack of snow is hurting Boise’s local ski hill.  The Idaho Business Review reports Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area cut all […]

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