Sequester hurts local Families

3/4/2013 (Updated 11:01:05 PM)

How devastating will the  the effects of sequestration be on local families and residents? That's what  local community agencies were trying to find out today:
 
According to Lourdes Hospital, The American Cancer Society, The Southern Tier Aids Program, and other human service agencies, sequestration could lead to more than just cuts in social programs, such as WIC and meals on wheels.

Job losses are also likely.
 
"This may likely result in staff cuts at some of the these agencies.  That's another thing that we often don't talk about because we're focusing on the people that we serve," said John Barry from the Southern Tier Aides Program.

"The cuts are to the poor.  The cuts are to the people who have nothing already.  Maybe our government feels if you take something away from nothing, they're going to get something.  But, in the end, we all lose," said Kathy Pfaffenback of Catholic Charities.

Some consumer advocate groups say job losses could be avoided by  ending corporate tax breaks and placing a small sales tax on Wall Street trading.



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