House Joint Memorial No. 2 Summary

• The Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Area Standards Review Committee recommended raising the population threshold for metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) from 50,000 to 100,000.

• If adopted, the recommendation would reclassify 144 of the nation's 392 MSAs as micropolitan areas, including six of Idaho's seven MSAs (Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Falls, Lewiston, Pocatello, and Twin Falls), leaving only the Boise City MSA.

• The reclassification would eliminate Bureau of Labor Statistics data on labor force, jobs, occupations, and wages for affected communities, reducing grant opportunities and hindering economic decision-making.

• The Idaho Legislature opposes the recommendation and urges the Office of Management and Budget to maintain the current 50,000 population threshold.

• The Chief Clerk of the House is directed to forward copies of this memorial to the Acting Director of the Office of Management and Budget and Idaho's congressional delegation.