Eric Tegethoff, Public News Service
BOISE, Idaho -- Despite a largely reopened state, Idaho families are struggling and see no end in sight.
Data collected from a Census survey for September and October finds nearly half of Idaho households with incomes of less than $35,000 a year and a third of households making up to $75,000 have experienced some loss of income due to the pandemic.
The director of the Idaho Center for Fiscal Policy, Alejandra Cerna Rios, analyzed the data-
"What the takeaway from this is that it's more modest-earning households that are really bearing the brunt of the pandemic and the recession hardship," Cerna Rios observed.
About a quarter of households making less than $35,000 expect more losses through the end of the year, and half say they are having difficulty paying for basic expenses.
Last week, Gov. Brad Little moved Idaho back to Stage Two and mobilized the Idaho National Guard to assist healthcare workers who are facing surging COVID-19 cases.
Cerna Rios said the loss of income is not just because of unemployment.
Lowered demand in sectors like hospitality has led to detrimental cuts in hours for folks who already live on modest means.
She warned the increasing number of coronavirus infections could slow spending even more.
"From that point of view, yes, we should be concerned about rising caseloads because it affects our ability to recover from this recession. As well as, of course, mitigate some sickness among our neighbors. So that's of great concern."
Cerna Rios stated federal aid is needed for a full economic recovery, but noted the state can play a role too.
Census data finds one-third of Idaho households have canceled their post-secondary plans. Because of the big boost in earnings that completing college gives workers, Cerna Rios said this a troubling sign.
"What state policymakers can look at is what are the resources and tools available to them to make sure that we avoid losing ground with both public education and higher education," she urged.
Cerna Rios added alleviating the long-term effects of the recession might require lawmakers to tap into the state's rainy day fund, noting it is definitely raining for many Idaho families right now.
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