How major federal cuts will affect WNY

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Talks of federal spending cuts,  $85 billion to be exact, are flying across the nation. But what many want to know are when will they take affect on both the nation and in our own backyard.

"We all woke up yesterday and today and the hot water is running, and the television is on, and the airplanes are flying," said Congressman Chris Collins.

President Obama signed the order setting in motion the largest across-the-board federal spending cuts in history.

However, because of federal regulations, it will be at least 30 days before many federal workers are forced to take furlough days.

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President Obama said, "None of this is necessary. It's happening because a choice that Republicans in Congress have made. They've allowed these cuts to happen because they refuse to budge on closing a single wasteful loophole to help reduce the deficit."

The president wants to raise taxes on millionaires or eliminate corporate tax loopholes. Republicans say they raised taxes by $600 billion in the Fiscal Cliff deal; now is the time to focus on spending cuts.

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Western New York schools will also be greatly affected as cuts will take place in just four months on July 1st.

"School districts are in the process of putting together their budgets for the next fiscal year and so they're going to have to take these cuts into account," said Barbara Bradley with the New York State School Boards Association.

Some expected to be hit the hardest are:
-Buffalo schools will see $2.5 million in cuts
-Kenmore, Tonawanda will see $184,000 in cuts
-Williamsville will see $170,000 in cuts

Bradley said a senior research analyst looked at the total federal grant amount for each school district. She then calculated a 5.1% cut on those grant totals in order to determine how much would be taken out for each district which in other words is simply, a lot.

She said the cuts will likely mean staff layoffs and getting rid of student programs.