Federal Budget Cuts Could Hit San Ramon

If the sequester happens on Friday as expected, the deep cuts in the federal budget will reach the neighborhood level in San Ramon and other communities.

If a congressional compromise isn't reached, $85 billion will be cut from the federal budget over the next year.

In California, it's expected there will be $87 million in education cuts as well as reductions in federal funding for environmental, public health, child care and other services.

Congressman Eric Swalwell (D-Dublin) commented via, email:

The automatic across-the-board budget cuts known as the sequester threaten our fragile economy and will have real consequences, to real people in the Fifteenth Congressional District.  In my district alone, schools will lose $11 million in federal funding.  It also means 225,000 jobs put at risk across California, 9,600 fewer low income students in California receiving aid to help them finance the costs of college, and the loss of approximately $5.4 million in funds that provide meals for seniors. 

That’s why I co-sponsored a bill, H.R. 699, that would replace the sequester in a balanced manner with smart spending reductions and new revenue from multimillionaires.  It is the height of irresponsibility to let these cuts go into effect, and it is my hope that we reach a solution that will reduce our deficit and strengthen our economy.

At the local level, schools will probably be the most affected.

Head Start programs across California will receive less money. It's estimated 8,200 would have reduced access to services.

The cuts could also reduce the hours at federal offices.

Police departments in California are expected to lose $1.6 million in Justice Assistance Grants that support programs such as crime prevention, drug treatment and witness support.

San Ramon Bill Clarkson said he hasn't spent a lot of time thinking about the sequester, but doesn't believe it will have an immediate impact on San Ramon. But the mayor is disappointed by the politicians in Washington.

"I think the vast majority of policy makers don't have the foggiest idea of what they are doing out there," Clarkson said. "I think most of the cuts are things they control. I think for political reasons there are damaging cuts they can make for short-term political gains, which is really a shame...the clowns back there very much frustrate me."

Finally, job assistance programs are expected to receive $3.3 million less in federal funding. That would affect about 130,000 job seekers.