How federal across-the-board cuts could affect Washington

By The Associated Press Published: Feb 25, 2013 at 6:35 PM PDT
How federal across-the-board cuts could affect Washington
U.S. Capitol. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

SEATTLE (AP) — 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 programs that could be cut in Washington state:

EDUCATION:
 

  • $11.6 million for primary and secondary education, putting 160 teacher and aide jobs at risk. In addition about 50 fewer schools would receive funding.
  • $11.3 million for education of children with disabilities, jeopardizing the jobs of 140 teachers, aides and staff.
  • Around 440 fewer low-income students in Washington would receive aid to help them finance the costs of college.
  • About 1,000 children would be cut from Head Start and Early Head Start services.


ENVIRONMENT:
 

  • $3.3 million to help ensure clean water and air, and prevent pollution from pesticides and hazardous waste.
  • In addition, Washington could lose $924,000 in grants for fish and wildlife protection.


MILITARY:
 

  • Furloughs for 29,000 civilian Department of Defense workers would reduce gross pay by $173.4 million.
  • Army base operation funding would be cut $124 million.


POLICE:
 

  • About $271,000 in grants that support law enforcement, courts, crime prevention and education, corrections and community corrections, drug treatment and enforcement, and crime victim and witness initiatives.


EMPLOYMENT:
 

  • $661,000 for job search assistance, referral and placement.


CHILD CARE:
 

  • Up to 800 disadvantaged and poor children could lose access to child care.


VACCINES:
 

  • 2,850 children fewer children will receive vaccines.


DOMESTIC VIOLENCE:
 

  • $143,000 for providing services to victims of domestic violence.


SENIORS:
 

  • $1 million for providing meals to seniors.


PUBLIC HEALTH:
 

  • $1.7 million in grants to prevent and treat substance abuse.
  • $642,000 to help respond to public health threats including infectious diseases, natural disasters, and biological, chemical, nuclear or radiological events.


Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.