Sequestration may be a national budget problem...but it could have a real impact on services everywhere including here in Florida.
Air travel, for example would see widespread effects."Sequestration will reduce the number of flights available and cause delays because air traffic controllers will be furloughed. The simple fact is that less controllers means that less flights will be handled,"said Sean Cassidy, Airline Pilots Association.
Democratic Senator Bill Nelson released a specific list of Florida programs that would be impacted by the cuts.
749 reading teachers could lose their jobs
2700 children would lose access to Headstart programs to get them ready for school
16,000 special education students would see fewer services.
In research dollars, Florida would lose $25.1 million in medical research funding
$8.3 million that would go to fund research at colleges and universities could be lost.
Cuts to health programs mean 1016 fewer low income women will receive mammograms and other cancer screenings
7950 fewer uninsured children will receive vaccinations.
Even seniors could be affected, with nearly $3 million dollars cut from food progams like meals-on-wheels.
Governor Rick Scott chided Washington today, "It's disappointing that the federal government can't do what we've done in our state. We've made tough choices and it's worked. Now we have a projected budget surplus for the first time since 2008 - 2009." A surplus that could be needed if Florida loses 276 million dollars in federal spending.
YOUR VOICE: How would you solve the current budget battle? Where would you cut? Add your thoughts by posting to the comments section below.
See links on the right side of the page for information on how to reach your lawmakers and voice your opinion.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 5:50 PM EDT2013-06-18 21:50:46 GMT
Sheriff Al Nienhuis would like to verify that the Hernando County Sheriff's Office is currently working on one of hundreds of very ambiguous leads in the Jennifer Odom Homicide.
Sheriff Al Nienhuis would like to verify that the Hernando County Sheriff's Office is currently working on one of hundreds of very ambiguous leads in the Jennifer Odom Homicide.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 5:20 PM EDT2013-06-18 21:20:38 GMT
Three Bartow High School students are accused of breaking into the city middle and high school. Police said they began investigating a series of school burglaries on Monday. Investigators said the
Three Bartow High School students are accused of breaking into the city middle and high school. Police said they began investigating a series of school burglaries on Monday.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 5:19 PM EDT2013-06-18 21:19:20 GMT
Polk County Volunteer of the Year Corey "Ralph" Cowart will soon enjoy another special honor. The Tampa Bay Rays have invited the 30-year-old to throw out the first pitch at an upcoming home game.
Polk County Volunteer of the Year Corey "Ralph" Cowart will soon enjoy another special honor. The Tampa Bay Rays have invited the 30-year-old to throw out the first pitch at an upcoming home game.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 5:03 PM EDT2013-06-18 21:03:50 GMT
The new mom and daughter waited with a group of family and friends at TIA for the return of U.S. Marine Cpl. Thomas Thornsberry, holding a sign that read, "Welcome Home, Daddy."
The new mom and daughter waited with a group of family and friends at TIA for the return of U.S. Marine Cpl. Thomas Thornsberry, holding a sign that read, "Welcome Home, Daddy."
Tuesday, June 18 2013 2:46 PM EDT2013-06-18 18:46:51 GMT
Chrysler says it has resolved its differences with the government and will recall older Jeep Grand Cherokee and Liberty SUVs that could be at risk of a fuel tank fire. Earlier this month the company refused
Chrysler says it has resolved its differences with the government and will recall older Jeep Grand Cherokee and Liberty SUVs that could be at risk of a fuel tank fire. Earlier this month the company refused
Tuesday, June 18 2013 1:09 PM EDT2013-06-18 17:09:00 GMT
Fewer U.S. adults are smoking, a new government report says. Last year, about 18 percent of adults participating in a national health survey described themselves as current smokers.
Fewer U.S. adults are smoking, a new government report says. Last year, about 18 percent of adults participating in a national health survey described themselves as current smokers.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 1:17 PM EDT2013-06-18 17:17:54 GMT
A military widow wants to know why another woman's name is engraved on her husband's headstone. The woman discovered the mistake while visiting her husband's grave at Fort Logan Cemetery in Denver, Colorado.
A military widow wants to know why another woman's name is engraved on her husband's headstone. The woman discovered the mistake while visiting her husband's grave at Fort Logan Cemetery in Denver, Colorado.
Tuesday, June 4 2013 7:25 PM EDT2013-06-04 23:25:23 GMT
A 72-year-old Myrtle Beach man was charged after police said he ran over a duck and her ducklings on purpose with his BMW. According to a police report, Robert Allen Willard
A 72-year-old Myrtle Beach man was charged after police said he ran over a duck and her ducklings on purpose with his BMW. According to a police report, Robert Allen Willard
Tuesday, June 18 2013 12:54 PM EDT2013-06-18 16:54:00 GMT
An image displaying what appears to be a pair of hairy legs has gone viral on the web. According to Buzzfeed.com, the image was first spotted on Sina Weibo, a popular social media website in China. The
An image displaying what appears to be a pair of hairy legs has gone viral on the web. According to Buzzfeed.com, the image was first spotted on Sina Weibo, a popular social media website in China. The
Monday, June 17 2013 6:40 PM EDT2013-06-17 22:40:17 GMT
The Vigo Importing Company has been bringing exotic products to Tampa for years. The warehouse facility of off Hillsborough Avenue is filled with all kinds of delicious things to eat.
The Vigo Importing Company has been bringing exotic products to Tampa for years. The warehouse facility of off Hillsborough Avenue is filled with all kinds of delicious things to eat.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 6:22 AM EDT2013-06-18 10:22:06 GMT
Troy Petro and his fishing buddy fell overboard "like rockets." Those were Petro's words as he stood barefoot at the St. Petersburg Marina Tuesday, feeling lucky he wasn't hurt.
Troy Petro and his fishing buddy fell overboard "like rockets." Those were Petro's words as he stood barefoot at the St. Petersburg Marina Tuesday, feeling lucky he wasn't hurt.