Sequester puts local jobs at risk

If congress doesn't act by Friday automatic cuts could threaten hundreds of local jobs.  In Louisiana alone the cuts could put more than 200 teaching jobs at risk.

The automatic cuts could eliminate nearly $16 million in funding for primary and secondary education.  Bossier Parish Schools' superintendent, D.C. Machen says federal money is used for three programs in the district.  Title One funding, special education and vocational programs could all be on the chopping block.

A number of agencies depending on federal funding would have to reduce their services.  Two air traffic control facilities could be closed in north Louisiana.  The Shreveport Downtown Airport and Monroe Regional would be impacted.  Another possibility is the overnight shifts could be eliminated at the Shreveport Tower at Barksdale Air Force Base.

The state will lose $118,000 to provide vaccines for children.  The Louisiana State Department of Health and Hospitals will lose about $320,000 normally used to fund HIV tests.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/docs/sequester-factsheets/Louisiana.pdf

Texas will also lose about $67 million in funding for primary and secondary education.  More than 900 jobs could be eliminated.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/docs/sequester-factsheets/Texas.pdf

In Arkansas Head Start services could be eliminated for 600 children.  The state will also lose $5 million in funding for services for children with disabilities.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/docs/sequester-factsheets/Arkansas.pdf