Idaho unemployment rises to 6.8 percent; 51,000 jobless

BOISE — Idaho’s unemployment is on the rise again. The rate was 6.8 percent in January, up two-tenths of a percentage point from just a month earlier. Roger Madsen, who released the figures Friday morning in front of legislative budget writers, said, “This recession has essentially stalled much of Idaho’s economic activity.” More than 51,000 people were out of work, and Madsen says that his agency’s 25 local offices have never been busier. More people will lose their jobs in coming months, as the economy contracts and Micron Technology Inc., once Idaho’s biggest private employer, slashes another 2,000 people from its workforce by August. Madsen says despite debate over the benefits of the $787 billion stimulus package, it’s been great for his agency, because it’s freed up an additional $1.2 million in unemployment compensation for Idaho workers every week.