WNYers react to spending cuts

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Friday is the deadline for Congress to come up with a plan to avoid $85 billion in budget cuts. But there’s no hope for a last minute deal to come through because Congress left the capitol Thursday. Some neighbors said they don’t feel like lawmakers have their best interest in mind.

“I think they need to grow up, to me their acting like a bunch of big babies and they want what they want and their not looking out for the good of the country,” said Peggy Ptak of Buffalo.

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“That doesn’t make any sense. It’s not going to affect them in any kind of way. They don’t have to worry about their gas bill or light bill. Poor people like myself, they have to worry,” said PJ from Buffalo.

“I’m okay with it because I’d like to see what happens for once when they don’t give into the pressure” said John Luhr of Buffalo.

News 4 spoke with representatives from a number of different agencies. They said they know how the budget cuts will affect people nationally, but locally their not sure. A number of western New Yorkers say they feel the same way.

“I think The reason why we’re not getting enough is I don’t think anybody really knows. I think it’s going to be a step by step process” said Ptak.

So here’s what we know so far: the President has until midnight to sign the mandate. Then on Monday, March 4th, some federal employees will receive a furlough notice that will go into effect next month. Then by March 27th another fiscal deadline threatens to shutdown the government unless lawmakers reach a solution. Some people said they just want Congress to come to a compromise.

“It’s all about me and my constituents and if you don’t see it my way, then nothing is going to happen. So far nothing has happened and it’s not going to happen until they say if nothing else we can agree we are American. We have to agree about our country…we’ve got to start getting along” said William from Buffalo.