Impacts of sequester on Idaho

Congress has until March 1 to come up with a plan to avoid forced federal spending cuts.

The cuts would strip $85 billion from federal agencies over the next seven months.

On Sunday, the White House released a report detailing how the spending cuts would affect each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia.

But what does this mean for the Gem State?

If the sequestration were to take effect, here are some examples of the deep cuts that could take place in Idaho.

The report shows the state will lose $3.7 million for primary and secondary education, 50 teachers could lose their jobs and 30 fewer schools would receive funding.

According to the report, Idaho’s defense income will also take a hit.

Idaho’s defense facilities will see $6.8 million in cuts, 2,000 Department of Defense employees will be furloughed and base funding will be cut by $1.7 million. Idaho’s Air Force funding would also be cut by $1 million.

Idaho will also lose about $82,000 in grants that support law enforcement, prosecution and courts.

National parks like Yellowstone and Grand Teton will also feel an impact with shortened operating hours, closed facilities, reduced maintenance and cuts to visitor services.

Child care, public health and senior programs will also get cut.

Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal says he believes a deal can be reached but adds the president needs to stop trying to scare the American people.

Jindal believes you can cut less than 3 percent without all these consequences.

Despite the looming deadline, there is no indication that the White House and Congress are negotiating.

To view the entire White House report, go to http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/docs/sequester-factsheets/Idaho.pdf