Growth + Affordability

Despite criticism, Idaho Power looks to raise general rate for first time since 2011

BY: - September 21, 2023

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 […]

Idaho Gov. Brad Little's State of the State address

Property tax cuts coming for Idaho homeowners through new state law

BY: - September 11, 2023

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 […]

ustomer is rung up by a cashier in a Kroger grocery store

Millions more workers would receive overtime pay under proposed Biden administration rule

BY: - September 8, 2023

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 […]

Downtown Boise seen from the Boise Depot

Idaho employers anticipate growth, show concerns about turnover in state survey

BY: - September 7, 2023

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 […]

COMMENTARY

Through Digital Economy Program, U of I Extension empowers rural residents to stay in communities

BY: - September 4, 2023

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

BY: - September 1, 2023

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 […]

The Kroger Co. Corporate Headquarters

Seven state treasurers urge Federal Trade Commission to oppose Albertsons, Kroger merger

BY: - August 25, 2023

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 […]

Bobbie-Jo Meuleman

Boise Metro Chamber hires Idaho governor’s senior staffer as new CEO

BY: - August 17, 2023

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 Boise Chamber

Idaho Gov. Brad Little touts property tax cuts in Boise business speech

BY: - August 16, 2023

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 […]

shopper at the seafood counter at a grocery store

Consumers seeing relief in some food prices as inflation continues to slow

BY: - August 11, 2023

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

BY: - August 10, 2023

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.

BY: - August 7, 2023

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, […]