Growth + Affordability
Despite criticism, Idaho Power looks to raise general rate for first time since 2011
For the first time in over a decade, Idaho’s largest electricity provider is looking to increase its general rate – a proposal that has led to criticism from customers and environmentalists. In March, the utility company filed a general rate case with the Idaho Public Utilities Commission to increase its rate by $111 million, or […]
Property tax cuts coming for Idaho homeowners through new state law
In November, Idaho homeowners will know how much of a break they will get on their property taxes through a new state law. The savings will be calculated for each individual taxpayer and appear on their property tax notice, which counties send to homeowners by the fourth Monday in November. As of this week, it’s […]
Millions more workers would receive overtime pay under proposed Biden administration rule
Salaried workers who have been ineligible for overtime pay would benefit from a proposed Biden administration regulation. The U.S. Department of Labor’s new rule would require employers compensate full-time workers in management, administrative, or other professional roles for any overtime worked if they make less than $55,068 annually. Currently, the salary threshold is $35,568. The […]
Idaho employers anticipate growth, show concerns about turnover in state survey
High turnover rates and the supply and cost of workers are among the top concerns for Idaho employers, according to a new report from the Idaho Department of Labor. On Tuesday, the Department of Labor released the results of its inaugural Idaho Employer Business Climate Survey for 2023. The survey is meant to measure the […]
Through Digital Economy Program, U of I Extension empowers rural residents to stay in communities
According to the Idaho Transportation Department, more than 64,000 people moved to Idaho in 2021, but did you know that more than 57,000 people also moved out of Idaho? Losing residents can erode the unique identity and culture of small towns and tribal communities. It may also lead to declining participation in local events and […]
Job growth exceeds economists’ expectations as unemployment inches up
The labor market is stable and healthy, economists and policy experts say, although the unemployment rate ticked up in the month of August. The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ report released Friday showed that unemployment rose to 3.8% in August from 3.5% in July. Meanwhile the economy added 187,000 jobs, above expectations of 170,000 jobs from […]
Seven state treasurers urge Federal Trade Commission to oppose Albertsons, Kroger merger
Washington state Treasurer Mike Pellicciotti and six other state treasurers are urging federal regulators to oppose a merger of the nation’s two largest grocery store chains. The seven state officials sent a letter Wednesday to the Federal Trade Commission warning of “significant adverse effects” if Kroger, the nation’s largest supermarket chain, is allowed to acquire […]
Boise Metro Chamber hires Idaho governor’s senior staffer as new CEO
Idaho Gov. Brad Little’s deputy chief of staff, Bobbi-Jo Meuleman, will become president and CEO of the Boise Metro Chamber, the chamber announced in a news release on Thursday. Meuleman will take over the position in October, the release said. Meuleman has served as deputy chief of staff and director of intergovernmental relations for Little […]
Idaho Gov. Brad Little touts property tax cuts in Boise business speech
Idaho Gov. Brad Little touted the state’s recent property tax reduction law during a luncheon with the Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday. This year, Idahoans will see about $300 million in property tax reductions through House Bill 292. The law creates a homeowner’s property tax relief account to provide a credit using state […]
Consumers seeing relief in some food prices as inflation continues to slow
Consumers are getting some relief from higher prices as core inflation, which excludes food and energy, continues to show signs of cooling — an encouraging sign for the U.S. economy, according to economists. The Department of Labor’s report on Thursday showed the consumer price index rose 0.2% in July, in line with expectations, and 3.2% […]
Planning for the future, Idaho Power to host public meeting about energy needs
Idaho Power customers are invited to attend a virtual meeting Aug. 15 to learn about the utility company’s plan to provide additional electricity over the next 20 years. Known as the Integrated Resource Plan, Idaho Power updates the plan every two years to discuss resources that will meet the company’s future energy needs while balancing […]
Idaho’s water supply is declining. Officials discuss challenges at state summit.
Water experts and public officials across the state presented challenges, success stories and solutions regarding Idaho’s water supply at the Governor’s Water Summit on Monday at the Idaho Capitol in Boise. Officials recognized that water levels in Idaho are in decline, and some of the main challenges they discussed at the summit include population growth, […]