How automatic budget cuts could affect Illinois
CHICAGO – The White House compiled the numbers from federal agencies and its own budget office. The numbers reflect the impact of the sequester 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.
Here are some examples of how the White House says automatic budget cuts could affect Illinois:
EDUCATION
— Illinois would lose about $33.4 million in funds for elementary and secondary education. That would jeopardize 460 teacher and aide positions.
— Head Start and Early Head Start services for about 2,700 children would be eliminated.
— About 2,650 college students would see their work-study jobs eliminated and about 3,280 low-income students would lose financial aid.
MILITARY & POLICE
— About 14,000 civilian employees of the Department of Defense would be furloughed, reducing pay by roughly $83.5 million.
— Funding for Army base operations would be cut about $19 million, while Air Force operations would see a cut of about $7 million.
— Four demolition projects planned at Naval Station Great Lakes and a Blue Angels show in Rockford could be canceled.
— Law enforcement grants would be reduced about $587,000.
HEALTH
— About 5,230 fewer children would receive vaccines for diseases such as whooping cough, influenza and measles.
— Illinois would lose about $3.5 million in funds to prevent and treat substance abuse, leading to about 3,900 fewer admissions to substance abuse treatment programs.
— The Department of Public Health would lose about $186,000, which could pay for 4,600 HIV tests.
SOCIAL PROGRAMS
— As many as 1,100 low-income children could lose access to child care.
— About 50,780 fewer people would get training and help finding a job, due to an approximately $1.4 million cut in funds.
— A program that provides meals for seniors would lose about $764,000.