Mass. to lose millions due to federal budget cuts
The White House is warning that the Bay State stands to lose tens of millions of dollars if widespread federal spending cuts take effect as scheduled — $85 million between March and September alone.
In a report released Sunday night, the Obama administration detailed the impact of the so-called “sequester” on a state-by-state-level. The automatic budget cuts will kick in on Friday, unless Congress takes action.
Education is one of the areas where Massachusetts will feel the greatest impact. K-12 funding would drop by nearly $14 million, not counting another $13 million cut from programs for students with disabilities. About 1,100 children would lose access to Head Start and Early Head Start programs.
Roughly 7,000 civilians who work for the Department of the Defense in Massachusetts would be furloughed. Operating costs at Fort Devens and other Army facilities would be cut by $8 million. Air Force operations will lose $5 million.
Law enforcement, public health, and employment assistance are among the other sectors to be reduced.
The report is based on data gathered from federal agencies and the White House budget office.
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