The White House released a state-by-state analysis of potential effects from the sequester, showing Wisconsin could suffer large reductions in funding areas ranging from education to healthcare and law enforcement if the federal government cannot pass an alternative deficit reduction plan by March 1.
The sequester is a policy designed to reduce the federal debt by applying broad cuts to a variety of nationwide funding areas like education, health care and military spending.
Wisconsin would face a funding reduction of approximately $8.5 million for primary and secondary education if the sequester takes effect, according to the White House report. Additionally, about 970 students would lose out on work-study program opportunities and federally supplied aid in higher education.
Other funding reductions would include about $3.9 million less for pollution mitigation and about $661,000 for job training and placement. The sequester would also mandate automatic cuts to child care, public health and vaccines for children, among other areas.
