Education could be the big loser in Rhode Island in automatic cuts to the federal budget set to take hold this week, according to the a report from the White House as it seeks to avoid the impending economic fallout.
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 to 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.
According to the White House, Rhode Island would lose:
EDUCATION:
— About $2.4 million for primary and secondary education, putting about 30 teacher and aide jobs at risk.
— About $2.1 million for about 20 teachers, aides and staff who help children with disabilities.
— Head Start and Early Head Start services would be eliminated for about 200 children.
ENVIRONMENT:
— About $1.3 million in funding for clean water and air quality and to prevent pollution from pesticides and hazardous waste.
— About $359,000 for fish and wildlife protection.
MILITARY:
— About 5,000 civilian defense workers would be furloughed, reducing gross pay by around $31.5 million.
— Army base operation funding would be cut by about $800,000.
LAW ENFORCEMENT:
— About $68,000 for law enforcement, prosecution and courts, crime prevention and education, corrections and community corrections, drug treatment and enforcement, and crime victim and witness initiatives.
HEALTH:
— About $101,000 to respond to public health threats including infectious diseases, natural disasters, and biological, chemical, nuclear and radiological events.
— About $330,000 to help prevent and treat substance abuse,
— Funding for vaccinations would be cut by about $36,000, blocking access to 530 children for vaccines for diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, whooping cough, influenza and Hepatitis B.
SENIORS:
— Nearly $188,000 to provide meals for seniors.
