The sequester effects all of us and that means we will see changes.
"We're just in a position right now – it's not a good position. We feel like we're in a sinkhole where we're never gonna get out of."
Nicole Chati's post Sandy recovery continues to be frustrating. With the federal budget reductions known as the "sequester" now in effect it will mean cuts in funds allocated for Superstorm Sandy aid. An amount estimated around $3 billion.
"When the banks needed a bailout, our taxes were raised. When the auto industry needed a bailout, out taxes were raised – we had no problem. Now we need a bailout, we're the people of the United States of America and we need a bailout," said Chati, a Sandy Victim.
Washington's failure to prevent the sequester will have wide-ranging implications. Expect delays at airports as pink slips will be given to thousands of workers -- such as TSA screeners and air traffic controllers.
The across the board federal reductions will also impact funds for the Zadroga Health Care Act -- monies for first responders who became ill after 9/11.
It's that cut that hurts retired NY Waterways Fire Captain Michael McPhillips the most.
"We worked for nine years to get this done. We went to Washington, D.C so many times and guys with oxygen tanks are so ill and they still went and they fought and now it's being taken back from them. I've had guys calling up crying over this," said Capt. McPhillips.
At a news conference Saturday afternoon for Sandy victims on Staten Island, Congressman Michael Grimm (R-NY) said there are several other areas for the federal government to trim its budget fat.
"We have underused and vacant federal land, that's costing us a year -- $1.7 billion, that's a lot of money. We can cut that right there – that's a waste that needs to be cut," said Rep. Grimm.
Active military personnel and programs for anti-poverty and low income assistance – they are largely protected from the sequester. But for those areas where there's going to be an impact, it will likely be several weeks before that will actually start to show.
Thursday, May 23 2013 11:10 PM EDT2013-05-24 03:10:53 GMT
AP photo
Actress Amanda Bynes was arrested Thursday for allegedly smoking marijuana in the lobby of her Midtown Manhattan building, police said. The troubled celebrity is also accused of throwing her "drug paraphernalia"
Actress Amanda Bynes was arrested Thursday for allegedly smoking marijuana in the lobby of her Midtown Manhattan building, police said. The troubled celebrity is also accused of throwing her "drug paraphernalia"
Thursday, May 23 2013 10:17 PM EDT2013-05-24 02:17:32 GMT
New Jersey officials have seized inventory and demanded records from 29 bars and restaurants, nearly half of them TGI Fridays, that they say sold low-quality liquor to patrons who thought they were buying premium brands.
New Jersey officials have seized inventory and demanded records from 29 bars and restaurants, nearly half of them TGI Fridays, that they say sold low-quality liquor to patrons who thought they were buying premium brands.
Thursday, May 23 2013 10:11 PM EDT2013-05-24 02:11:26 GMT
An Edison, N.J., police officer was arrested and accused of setting fire to the home of a police captain in his department, according to the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office.
An Edison, N.J., police officer was arrested and accused of setting fire to the home of a police captain in his department, according to the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office.
Thursday, May 23 2013 10:04 PM EDT2013-05-24 02:04:45 GMT
Former Rep. Anthony Weiner launched his campaign for mayor of New York City this week, but his website seems to indicate he is running for office in Pittsburgh. The stylized and colorized image used in
Former Rep. Anthony Weiner launched his campaign for mayor of New York City this week, but his website seems to indicate he is running for office in Pittsburgh. The stylized and colorized image used in
Thursday, May 23 2013 9:49 PM EDT2013-05-24 01:49:53 GMT
AP photo
President Barack Obama plans to give the Jersey Shore a boost with a post-Memorial Day visit to showcase recovery efforts in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy.
President Barack Obama plans to give the Jersey Shore a boost with a post-Memorial Day visit to showcase recovery efforts in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy.
Thursday, May 23 2013 8:50 PM EDT2013-05-24 00:50:04 GMT
Heavy downpours sparked flash flooding across the tristate area on Thursday. The National Weather Service issued numerous weather alerts for many counties in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
Heavy downpours sparked flash flooding across the tristate area on Thursday. The National Weather Service issued numerous weather alerts for many counties in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:42 PM EDT2013-05-23 23:42:40 GMT
The Bronx Zoo has unveiled its animatronics dinosaur exhibit. The exhibit, called Dinosaur Safari, is something different from the zoo, which is better known for its exhibits of living animals. The ride
The Bronx Zoo has unveiled its exhibit of animatronics. The exhibit, called Dinosaur Safari, is something different from the zoo, which is better known for its exhibits of living animals.
