Congressman Alan Grayson today described the inaction on sequestration by Republicans as “appalling,” saying if automatic budget cuts did go into effect on March 1st, Floridians would be hurt.
Grayson issued the following statement on sequestration and its impact on Floridians:
“Regarding the inability of the Republicans to achieve a deal to stop sequestration, I have one word for you: appalling. I cannot understand why the Republicans want to abdicate Congress’s constitutional duty to govern, and instead prefers arbitrary, across-the-board cuts,” Grayson said. “The reality is that not all cuts are created equal, and this one-size-fits-all approach will cause serious pain for a lot of people. These cuts will hit the Middle Class, children, seniors, students, law enforcement officers, and job-seekers hard. The American People will suffer, while colossal corporations and the wealthy continue to avoid paying their fair share.”
According to Grayson, Florida faces steep cuts as a result of sequestration. Education cuts include a $54.5 million loss in funding for primary and secondary education; a $31.1 million cut in education funding for children with disabilities; and elimination of Head Start and Early Head Start services for 2,700 children. Meal services for seniors will likely be cut by $3.8 million, and a $2.3 million cut in job search assistance programs would leave 78,960 Floridians without the help and skills they need to find employment.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency, a crucial federal entity for a state deeply impacted by severe weather, faces a $580 million cut in disaster relief funding, he added.
Grayson said he is also concerned about sequestration’s impact on aviation safety and security in Central Florida. The Federal Aviation Authority has listed two Central Florida airports, Kissimmee Gateway Airport and Orlando Executive Airport, that are threatened to close if sequestration occurs. According to the Office of Management and Budget, the FAA faces a $600 million cut, which could result in furloughs of many air traffic controllers and technicians, and an overall decline in air traffic. The Transportation Security Administration may also be forced to reduce its workforce, leading to fewer security screeners and longer lines at airports.
“Travel and tourism dollars are essential to Central Florida’s economy,” Grayson explained. “Visitors create jobs. As we approach the busy summer travel season, we cannot afford excessive delays, long passenger lines at airport security checkpoints, or other cuts that undermine passenger comfort and safety.”
