What sequestration could mean for Massachusetts

WWLP TV

Updated: Feb 25, 2013 9:11 AM

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) — There are at least four different definitions for the word "sequestration." So it's no wonder many people are confused by the term that's being used to mean across the board spending cuts that will go into effect in March.

“When you think about people and their reading you generally read at an 8th grade reading level so if you're putting out that word sequestration it's too hard for the general population.” said Nicole Slowinski of Colrain.

The Congressional Budget Office defines sequestration as:

"An enforcement mechanism by which the President orders the cancellation of budgetary resources in amounts sufficient to eliminate a deficit."

Come March 1st, if a budget deal is not reached there will be a massive round of automatic government spending cuts.

Congressman Markey released a report showing how Massachusetts will be affected by these cuts and as you can see there are several programs and services that will be impacted by these cuts.

Programs like home energy assistance which could lose $6.7 million.

More than 16,000 children could lose assistance from cuts in funding to schools that serve high numbers of children from low income families. Thousands of military employees would be furloughed.

As another deadline approaches, it has people starting to pay attention.

“That's a prevalent topic, something that needs to be brought up more, a lot of people I've talk to-- we're not really talking about sequestration,” said Julian Roberts of Springfield.

Because the biggest impact that people would likely notice could be the loss of 60,000 jobs throughout the state.
 

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