Economy

Why Won't This McDonalds Move 20 Feet Into Lower-Wage Idaho?

Jessica Robinson — Mon, 13 May 2013 14:10:24 +0000

The border between the states of Washington and Idaho is like a petri dish for what the minimum wage does to the economy. That’s where two extremes meet. Idaho has the federal minimum wage: $7.25 an hour. While Washington’s? It’s nearly $2 more -- the highest in the nation.

You might expect that wage gap to send Washington border businesses fleeing over to Idaho. But that's not what's happening.

Idahoans like Ron Mendive pride themselves on having a business-friendly state.

After 90 Years, A Southern Oregon Mill Closes

Amelia Templeton — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 13:15:49 +0000

This week, Rough and Ready Lumber started shutting down its sawmill in the Southern Oregon town of Cave Junction. It’s a story that’s repeated itself in timber towns across the northwest. In 1980 there were 390 mills operating in Oregon. Today there are 103. EarthFix Reporter Amelia Templeton visited the Rough and Ready mill and has this profile.

Oregon's Unemployment Drops To 8.2 Percent

Kristian Foden-Vencil — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 00:24:03 +0000

Oregon's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate continues its slow decline. It reached 8.2 percent in March.

U.S. Army Corp of Engineers Prepares Snake River Dredging Plans

Aaron Kunz — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 13:48:52 +0000

The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers wants to dredge a deeper channel for barges in the waters behind southeastern Washington’s Lower Granite Dam. Idaho’s Port of Lewiston says the work is important to keep the local economy moving. But as EarthFix reporter Aaron Kunz explains, some environmental groups opposed to the plan.

Washington Budget Shortfall May Get Worse With Revenue Forecast

Austin Jenkins — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 23:02:48 +0000

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Washington’s nearly $1 billion shortfall could grow after Wednesday’s revenue forecast. The state already faces higher than expected Medicaid costs. It’s widely expected the March forecast will show revenues coming in lower than expected.

Voices Of Coal: Tribal Fisherman

Ashley Ahearn — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 14:45:37 +0000

This week we’re bringing you our special EarthFix series, "Voices of Coal."

Each day we'll hear from someone with a personal stake in the Northwest's debate over coal export terminals.

Budget Debate Kicks Off In Salem

Chris Lehman — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 14:59:15 +0000

The stage is now set for a protracted battle over the upcoming state spending plan in Oregon. Legislative budget-writers Monday released a proposal that relies on rolling back tax breaks and reducing benefits to retired public workers. Salem Correspondent Chris Lehman reports.

Demand For Western Lumber Increases, While Log Supply Is Tight

Amelia Templeton — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 14:54:31 +0000

Hundreds of sawmill representatives gathered in Portland Monday for a trade association meeting. Thanks to a recovering housing market, the U.S. demand for lumber is increasing. Amelia Templeton of Earthfix has more.

Local Effects Of Automatic Federal Budget Cuts Hazy

Tom Banse — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 14:02:08 +0000

Northwest military bases, universities, national labs and parks await guidance for how to implement automatic federal budget cuts. The so-called "sequester" is scheduled to take effect at the end of this week. Not much else is certain beyond that including who in the region could feel the pain immediately, if anyone. Correspondent Tom Banse reports.

Oregon Revenue Forecast Up Slightly, Growth Still Slow

Chris Lehman — Sat, 16 Feb 2013 00:19:54 +0000

SALEM, Ore. – Oregon lawmakers now have a better sense of how much money they'll have to put together a budget. State forecasters Friday announced their latest revenue projections.

The bottom line: Things keep getting better. But not by much. State economist Mark McMullen told a legislative panel that corporate and personal income tax projections continue to rise.