AUTOMATIC FEDERAL CUTS Manchin Says Federal Budget Cuts Would Result In National Guard, Civilian Layoffs
Reported by: Associated Press
Web Producer: Jeff Morris
Reported: Feb. 26, 2013 1:51 PM EST
Updated: Feb. 27, 2013 9:24 AM EST
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Charleston
, Kanawha County
, West Virginia
U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin said automatic federal budget cuts set to go into effect Friday would mean National Guard and civilian defense layoffs in the state, along with reduced funding for programs such as education, and public health and safety.
The West Virginia Democrat said Tuesday that while he's discouraged Congress hasn't reached a long-term, bipartisan compromise, he's still "very hopeful" a deal can get done.
Manchin said 2,000 Department of Defense civilian employees in the state would be furloughed if the cuts occur. And 56 members of the West Virginia National Guard would be laid off immediately, while more than 900 state Guard members would be furloughed for 22 days.
He also said the state would lose $430,000 in grants to prevent and treat substance abuse.
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Associated Press
