SC would take Big Hit from Sequestration

The March 1 deadline of the impending massive federal budget cuts known as sequestration is fast approaching. The shortfall in funds would adversely affect thousands of people who are federal employees and those who rely on federal funding for educational programs and social services. According to figures released by the White House, approximately 11,000 civilian Department of Defense employees in South Carolina would be furloughed, reducing gross pay by around $59.5 million in total.  Army base operation funding would be slashed by about $62 million, while funding for Air Force operations in South Carolina would be cut by about $19 million. The announcement does not explain further how those cuts would be made. Speculation is that the state would lose about $550,000 in funding for job search assistance, referral, and placement. The White House says that means around 18,780 fewer people will get the help and skills they need to find employment. Approximately $20.5 million in funding would not go to the state for primary and secondary education. The White House says that would put around 170 teacher and aide jobs at risk. In the area of public health, South Carolina would lose approximately $442,000 in funds to help upgrade its ability to respond to public health threats like infectious diseases, natural disasters, and biological, chemical, nuclear, and radiological events. In addition, South Carolina will lose about $1,020,000 in grants to help prevent and treat substance abuse, resulting in around 1,400 fewer admissions to substance abuse programs. And the South Carolina State Department of Health and Environment will lose about $276,000 resulting in around 6,900 fewer HIV tests. The state would also lose about $278,000 in Justice Assistance Grants that support law enforcement, prosecution and courts, crime prevention and education, corrections and community corrections, drug treatment and enforcement, and crime victim and witness initiatives. Also the state could lose up to $99,000 in funds that provide services to victims of domestic violence, resulting in up to 400 fewer victims being served. In addition, South Carolina would lose approximately $791,000 in funds that provide meals for seniors.