Federal budget cuts would hit military, education in Indiana

Military and education would take big hits in Indiana from automatic cuts to the federal budget set to take effect this week, according to a report the White House issued Sunday.

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.

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.

MILITARY – In Indiana, about 11,000 civilian Department of Defense employees would be furloughed, reducing gross pay by around $64.4 million in total. Funding for Air Force operations in Indiana would be cut by about $7 million. Base operation funding for the Army would be cut by about $1.7 million. Scheduled shows by the Navy's Blue Angels in Indianapolis and Evansville could be canceled.

EDUCATION – Indiana will lose approximately $13.8 million in funding for primary and secondary education, putting around 190 teacher and aide jobs at risk. The state also will lose about $12.4 million in funds for about 150 teachers, aides, and staff who help children with disabilities. Head Start and Early Head Start services would be eliminated for approximately 1,000 Indiana children.

CHILD CARE — Up to 600 disadvantaged children could lose access to child care.

ENVIRONMENT – Indiana will lose about $3.3 million in environmental funding to ensure clean water and air quality, as well as prevent pollution from pesticides and hazardous waste. In addition, Indiana could lose another $739,000 in grants for fish and wildlife protection.

PUBLIC HEALTH – Indiana will lose about $1.7 million in grants to help prevent and treat substance abuse, resulting in around 1,100 fewer admissions to substance abuse programs. The Indiana State Department of Health will lose about $146,000 resulting in about 3,700 fewer HIV tests. Funding for vaccines will be reduced by about $189,000, meaning about 2,770 fewer children will receive vaccines for diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, whooping cough, influenza and Hepatitis B.

SENIORS – Indiana will lose about $820,000 in funds that provide meals for seniors.

JOBS – Indiana will lose about $683,000 in funding for job search assistance, referral, and placement.

LAW ENFORCEMENT – Indiana will lose about $262,000 in Justice Assistance Grants that support law enforcement, prosecution and courts, crime prevention and education, corrections and community corrections, drug treatment and enforcement, and crime victim and witness initiatives.

ANTI-VIOLENCE PROGRAMS – Indiana could lose up to $138,000 in funds that provide services to victims of domestic violence, resulting in up to 500 fewer victims being served.