MIAMI (AP) – Florida would lose approximately $3.8 million in funds that provide meals for the elderly according to the lists the White House released for each state on Sunday of the potential effects of automatic spending cuts set for Friday.
In other public health hits, the state would lose about $509,000 for vaccines, meaning that roughly 7,450 children would not receive vaccines for diseases such as measles, mumps, tetanus, rubella, whooping cough, Hepatitis B and the flu.
The state also would lose about $1.8 million in grants for upgrades to its response to public health threats such as infectious diseases, natural disasters and biological, chemical or nuclear events. Florida also would lose about $5 million in grants for treating substance abuse, and a $1.4 million loss at the state’s department of health would cut HIV tests by about 35,900.
The White House compiled the numbers from federal agencies and its own budget office. The numbers reflect the impact of the cuts this year. Unless Congress acts by Friday, $85 billion in cuts are set to take effect from March-September.
According to the White House, other cuts that could happen in Florida include:
Military funding: In Florida, about 31,000 civilian employees of the Department of Defense would be furloughed.
The Navy could lose $135 million in funding for aircraft depot maintenance in Jacksonville and cancel four demolition projects in Pensacola. Army base operation funding would be cut by $7 million and Air Force operations funding would be cut by $23 milllion.
Teachers and schools: Florida would lose about $54.5 million in funding for primary and secondary schools. About 750 teacher and aide jobs would be at risk. The state also would lose an additional $31.1 million in funding for teachers and aides who help children with disabilities.
Early education services: Head Start and Early Head Start services would be eliminated for roughly 2,700 children in Florida.
Environmental protection: Florida would lose about $5.2 million in funding for clean water, air quality and preventing pollution from pesticides and hazardous waste. The state could also lose an additional $1.1 million in grants for fish and wildlife protection.
Employment: Florida would lose about $2.3 million in funding for job search assistance, referrals and job placement.
Domestic violence: Florida would lose up to $404,000 in funds for services for victims of domestic violence.
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.
*Pictured above is President Barack Obama.
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