How sequester cuts will affect Florida - WFLA-TV Newschannel 8

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.