With the “sequester” taking effect on March 1, federal agencies are gearing up to achieve $85 billion in mandated spending reductions. The government is expected to release sequestration amounts soon, after which departments and agencies must come up with the required savings by the end of the 2013 fiscal year on September 30. Initial government estimates put sequester reductions to domestic discretionary spending at 8.2 percent this year.
A primary method of spending reduction being discussed is mandatory furlough of federal employees. EPA Acting Administrator Bob Perciasepe put forth a furlough estimate of up to 13 days through the end of the fiscal year for each employee, while other agencies have put forth even higher numbers. Such staffing reductions have the potential to significantly slow progress on a broad range of federal initiatives. Government contractors, who provide significant analytical and logistical support to agencies across the government, are also expected to sustain deep cuts. Sharp limitations on travel, workshops and conferences are anticipated throughout the federal sector, slowing the pace of outreach and consultations vital to government transparency and public engagement on important issues.
Additional assessment of potential sequestration impacts on programs of interest to drinking water utilities is available in the latest Water Security Scan, Congressional Report andRegulatory Report posted on AMWA’s website.