Local Economist Forecasts Better Times

A local professor has tested the economic winds and is forecasting some bright years for Idaho’s economy.

Economics professor Scott Benson said there are better times ahead for people in Idaho.

While not growing extremely fast, he said the economy here is on a steady upwards climb.

“Yes, things are looking up compared to the last several years where we saw declining personal income and declining state revenue. It’s nice to see things turning around,? Benson said.

Locals like Evan Peeples, hope they see that turnaround fast. He has been searching for work for a long time, and hopes he’ll find some luck at the Idaho State University Career Fair.

“Today I’m looking for a job. I lost my job back in 2010. It’s been a rough economy to find a job. It’s just been so miserable,? Peeples said.

Benson said the recession hit Idaho particularly hard, tripling our unemployment rate.

“In terms of the relative magnitude of pain, Idaho suffered a lot,? Benson said.

But he said a few more years could have the state back to where it was before the economic slump.

“Within a couple of years, maybe 2015, we’ll see as many jobs in Idaho as we had back in 2008,? Benson said.

That would be welcome news for Peeples, who hopes the career fair will give him a chance of finally returning to work.

“I’ve just been uploading resume after resume and having no success, but today I’ve had a firm handshake and a look in the eye saying ‘Yes, we’ll take your resume,”‘ Peeples said.