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The federal budget fallout in Minnesota

The Associated Press

February 25, 2013 at 3:10AM

History teacher Eric Sparks works with 7th grade students, Lilah Schulz, Lydia Larson and Walker Ferguson in the hallway at Sanford Middle School. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Minnesota's schools and children would be among the state's biggest losers if automatic federal budget cuts take hold this week, according to a report the Obama administration issued Sunday as it seeks to avoid the impending economic fallout.

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 to 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.

Here are some of the effects to Minnesota:

EDUCATION:

• Minnesota would lose about $7 million for primary and secondary education, putting about 100 teacher and aide jobs at risk.

• About $9.2 million would be cut for 110 teachers, aides and staff who help children with disabilities.

• 920 fewer low-income students would get aid to help pay for college and 500 fewer students would get work-study jobs.

• 700 kids would lose Head Start and Early Head Start services.

ENVIRONMENT:

• Minnesota would lose about $3 million in environmental funding to ensure clean water and air quality and prevent pesticide and hazardous waste pollution. Another $1.6 million in grants for fish and wildlife protection would also be cut.

MILITARY:

• About 2,000 civilian Department of Defense employees would be furloughed.

JOBS:

• About $689,000 would be cut for job-search assistance, referrals and placement, meaning about 23,270 people wouldn't get help finding work.

HEALTH:

• Vaccination funding would be cut, meaning about 2,360 fewer children would get vaccines for diseases including measles, mumps, whooping cough and tetanus.

PUBLIC HEALTH

• Minnesota would lose about $507,000 to help upgrade response to public health threats such as infectious diseases or natural disasters.

• About $1.2 million in grants that help prevent and treat substance abuse would be cut.

• The Minnesota Department of Health would lose about $127,000, resulting in about 3,200 fewer HIV tests.

SENIORS:

• Minnesota would lose about $845,000 for meals for seniors.

associated Press