Congresswoman Nita Lowey, a Democrat who represents parts of Westchester and Rockland counties, released a report Feb. 24 on the projected impact of sequestration. Unless Congress acts, Â the automatic budget cuts set for March 1 will sequester $85 billion in spending for the year, as mandated by the 2011 Budget Control Act.
Lowey”™s report also predicts significant cuts to the economies of Westchester and Rockland counties as well as New York state. Schools in Westchester and Rockland could lose roughly $4.4 million, including a $156,363 reduction in funding to the White Plains district,  $163,121 from the Haverstraw-Stony Point (North Rockland) budget, and an estimated $843,520 from East Ramapo.
Within New York state, Title I grants would presumably lose $45 million, special education grants under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) could also lose $36.3 million; and funding for Head Start, a provider of educational programs for preschool children in low-income families, Â would be cut by roughly $26 million.
Funding for first responders and law enforcement in the state could be cut by more than $860,000. The budget for the Army’s Camp Smith in Cortlandt Manor could lose more than $3 million.
If Congress doesn’t meet the deadline, sequestration could cost New York state medical researchers approximately $105 million.
Lowey said these budget cuts would have a negative impact on the region”™s effort to create jobs, as well as lead to a reduction in important services and investments.
Either Nita is clueless about what this really means or she is a liar!