How automatic budget cuts could affect NC
Published 12:00 am Monday, February 25, 2013
RALEIGH (AP) — The White House released information about the possible effects of spending cuts set for Friday.
The White House compiled the numbers from federal agencies and its own budget office. The numbers reflect the impact of the cuts this year. Unless Congress acts by Friday, $85 billion in cuts are set to take effect from March-September.
As to whether states could move money around to cover shortfalls, the White House said that depends on state budget structures and the specific programs. The White House did not have a list of which states or programs might have flexibility.
Some examples of how automatic budget cuts could affect North Carolina:
Education: • About $25.4 million in funding for primary and secondary education, putting around 350 teacher and aide jobs at risk.
• About $16.8 million in money for 200 teachers, aides and staff that help teach children with disabilities.
• Head Start and Early Head Start services would be eliminated for about 1,500 children.
Environment • About $3.6 million in environmental funding
• About $1.3 million in grants for fish and wildlife protection.
Military and law enforcement • About 22,000 civilian Department of Defense employees would be furloughed, reducing gross pay by around $117.5 million in total.
• About $136 million for Army base operations in North Carolina.
• About $5 million for Air Force operations in North Carolina.
• Aircraft depot maintenance would be canceled in Cherry Point.
Health • About $243,000 in reduced funding for vaccinations
• About $911,000 in funds to help upgrade state’s ability to respond to public health threat
• About $2 million in grants to help prevent and treat substance abuse
• About $341,000 for the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
• Up to $205,000 in funding for services to victims of domestic violence
• About $1.5 million in funds that provide meals for seniors.