What are we freaking out about now?

RockyTopVols

So what political fiscal thing is happening today that I am supposed to be sharting myself over?

It seems like this happens once every 3-6 months. Something bad is about to happen fiscally with our govt. Then in the midnight hour- some heroic congressman swoops in and saves us. And I go back to eating cereal and posting here.

It is exhausting so I haven't bothered to tune into to today's scare. What's going on?

robinsokj

Sequester

This one is kind of a big deal

littlestjerry

Congress is so worthless. I used to be so interested in politics, now I'm a jaded old lady who hates them all. The outright terror they have of the voting public is pathetic.

RockyTopVols

robinsokj:

This one is kind of a big deal

Okay so I did a quick Google for "Sequester". It looks like they are cutting spending in things that are upsetting people.

How did those things get chosen to get cut?

So.. why not cut spending in superflous programs that don't affect schools, families dependant on federally funded childcare, etc?

PS. I didn't mean for this to come off like I am grilling you or anything. I am just curious and asking openly.

RockyTopVols

Igoo0304:

I'm in the military community, so its a big deal to us (I know more are effected, this is just the population I'm familiar with). Civilians are getting their hours cut from 40 to 32. Several households we know would lose 20% of their incomes. 

Do you know why this was decided as a way to cut costs?

littlestjerry

RockyTopVols:

robinsokj:

This one is kind of a big deal

Okay so I did a quick Google for "Sequester". It looks like they are cutting spending in things that are upsetting people.

How did those things get chosen to get cut?

So.. why not cut spending in superflous programs that don't affect schools, families dependant on federally funded childcare, etc?

PS. I didn't mean for this to come off like I am grilling you or anything. I am just curious and asking openly.

I believe the intent was to cut things "across the board," so that everyone felt equally pained by them and, thus, equally motivated to make sure they didn't go into effect. But obviously, everyone who's jobs/interests are on the line are going to be upset.

robinsokj

Igoo0304:

I'm in the military community, so its a big deal to us (I know more are effected, this is just the population I'm familiar with). Civilians are getting their hours cut from 40 to 32. Several households we know would lose 20% of their incomes. 

 

A base I grew up on recently closed.  This isn't as harsh to an individual community but restaurants, barber shops, stores, etc closed b/c they lost all their customers.  This is going to affect so many

RockyTopVols

Little Jerry:

RockyTopVols:

robinsokj:

This one is kind of a big deal

Okay so I did a quick Google for "Sequester". It looks like they are cutting spending in things that are upsetting people.

How did those things get chosen to get cut?

So.. why not cut spending in superflous programs that don't affect schools, families dependant on federally funded childcare, etc?

PS. I didn't mean for this to come off like I am grilling you or anything. I am just curious and asking openly.

I believe the intent was to cut things "across the board," so that everyone felt equally pained by them and, thus, equally motivated to make sure they didn't go into effect. But obviously, everyone who's jobs/interests are on the line are going to be upset.

What has to happen to prevent this from occuring? Approve an increase in spending?

ThePolishHammer

Igoo0304:

I'm in the military community, so its a big deal to us (I know more are effected, this is just the population I'm familiar with). Civilians are getting their hours cut from 40 to 32. Several households we know would lose 20% of their incomes. 

It's a big deal to us. We're one of those households...  

littlestjerry

RockyTopVols:

Little Jerry:

RockyTopVols:

robinsokj:

This one is kind of a big deal

Okay so I did a quick Google for "Sequester". It looks like they are cutting spending in things that are upsetting people.

How did those things get chosen to get cut?

So.. why not cut spending in superflous programs that don't affect schools, families dependant on federally funded childcare, etc?

PS. I didn't mean for this to come off like I am grilling you or anything. I am just curious and asking openly.

I believe the intent was to cut things "across the board," so that everyone felt equally pained by them and, thus, equally motivated to make sure they didn't go into effect. But obviously, everyone who's jobs/interests are on the line are going to be upset.

What has to happen to prevent this from occuring? Approve an increase in spending?

I think they basically just need to agree on a budget/deficit reduction plan. The purpose of sequestration is to reduce the deficit, so they need to decide how to do that and, if they can't, then the cuts are supposed to do it. 

RockyTopVols

Little Jerry:

RockyTopVols:

Little Jerry:

RockyTopVols:

robinsokj:

This one is kind of a big deal

Okay so I did a quick Google for "Sequester". It looks like they are cutting spending in things that are upsetting people.

How did those things get chosen to get cut?

So.. why not cut spending in superflous programs that don't affect schools, families dependant on federally funded childcare, etc?

PS. I didn't mean for this to come off like I am grilling you or anything. I am just curious and asking openly.

I believe the intent was to cut things "across the board," so that everyone felt equally pained by them and, thus, equally motivated to make sure they didn't go into effect. But obviously, everyone who's jobs/interests are on the line are going to be upset.

What has to happen to prevent this from occuring? Approve an increase in spending?

I think they basically just need to agree on a budget/deficit reduction plan. The purpose of sequestration is to reduce the deficit, so they need to decide how to do that and, if they can't, then the cuts are supposed to do it. 

Gotcha.

So to grossly simplify it...

If the kids can't stop fighting and decide what to cut, Dads going to come in and cut some of everything?

RockyTopVols

CTGirl30:

Sequestration is big. A lot of us on the WM board are potentially affected or will be or have spouses who will be. I work in the aviation industry for a defense contractor. This is huge for us. We just had layoffs and anticipate another round this month. Washington Post has a nice chart that illustrates the state by state nonmilitary effects, as well. I'm on mobile and too lazy to link but you should easily be able to search for it and see what areas your specific state will be cut in. Education is also a big concern.

Sweet thank you,

I found it.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/politics/sequestration-state-impact/

BlueRidge8

RockyTopVols:

Little Jerry:

RockyTopVols:

Little Jerry:

RockyTopVols:

robinsokj:

This one is kind of a big deal

Okay so I did a quick Google for "Sequester". It looks like they are cutting spending in things that are upsetting people.

How did those things get chosen to get cut?

So.. why not cut spending in superflous programs that don't affect schools, families dependant on federally funded childcare, etc?

PS. I didn't mean for this to come off like I am grilling you or anything. I am just curious and asking openly.

I believe the intent was to cut things "across the board," so that everyone felt equally pained by them and, thus, equally motivated to make sure they didn't go into effect. But obviously, everyone who's jobs/interests are on the line are going to be upset.

What has to happen to prevent this from occuring? Approve an increase in spending?

I think they basically just need to agree on a budget/deficit reduction plan. The purpose of sequestration is to reduce the deficit, so they need to decide how to do that and, if they can't, then the cuts are supposed to do it. 

Gotcha.

So to grossly simplify it...

If the kids can't stop fighting and decide what to cut, Dads going to come in and cut some of everything?

This is my understanding.

littlestjerry

RockyTopVols:

Little Jerry:

RockyTopVols:

Little Jerry:

RockyTopVols:

robinsokj:

This one is kind of a big deal

Okay so I did a quick Google for "Sequester". It looks like they are cutting spending in things that are upsetting people.

How did those things get chosen to get cut?

So.. why not cut spending in superflous programs that don't affect schools, families dependant on federally funded childcare, etc?

PS. I didn't mean for this to come off like I am grilling you or anything. I am just curious and asking openly.

I believe the intent was to cut things "across the board," so that everyone felt equally pained by them and, thus, equally motivated to make sure they didn't go into effect. But obviously, everyone who's jobs/interests are on the line are going to be upset.

What has to happen to prevent this from occuring? Approve an increase in spending?

I think they basically just need to agree on a budget/deficit reduction plan. The purpose of sequestration is to reduce the deficit, so they need to decide how to do that and, if they can't, then the cuts are supposed to do it. 

Gotcha.

So to grossly simplify it...

If the kids can't stop fighting and decide what to cut, Dads going to come in and cut some of everything?

Haha, yeah! It's like that story in the Bible. Or, since I don't know anything about the Bible, it's like that Seinfeld episode where Elaine and Kramer fight over the bike and Neuman threatens to cut it in half.

MrsGoodkat

It affects everything from department of defense and education to domestic violence protection, nutrition for seniors, and vaccines for children. Fortunately it doesn't seem my H's job as a civilian contractor will be affected but many others are.

RockyTopVols

Quick question.

Would those affected include the actual Congressmen/women?

Or even if they fail to do their job- they still get paid. And will give themselves a raise I am sure.

Regne

We live in the DC area and DH works for the federal government. He is working from home today and we are just waiting to hear if they will have to take a bunch of leave without pay days over the next few months...I'm not an expert on this but with the tax cuts crap over New Years we didn't feel any effects...with this we (as in DH and therefore me) are definitely going to be affected.

littlestjerry

RockyTopVols:

Quick question.

Would those affected include the actual Congressmen/women?

Or even if they fail to do their job- they still get paid. And will give themselves a raise I am sure.

Obviously, they still get paid, being the selfless public servants that they are.

KJmashup

https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/politics/sequestration-federal-agency-impact/

 

RockyTopVols

KJmashup:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/politics/sequestration-federal-agency-impact/

 

Woah

" The FBI is faced with furloughing all personnel and implementing a hiring freeze. Nearly 36,700 workers at the Bureau of Prisons face furloughs, as well as 5,100 federal marshals and all civil division employees."

That is nuts.

J&A2008

RockyTopVols:

robinsokj:

This one is kind of a big deal

So.. why not cut spending in superflous programs that don't affect schools, families dependant on federally funded childcare, etc?

Such as...

RondackHiker

Little Jerry:

RockyTopVols:

Quick question.

Would those affected include the actual Congressmen/women?

Or even if they fail to do their job- they still get paid. And will give themselves a raise I am sure.

Obviously, they still get paid, being the selfless public servants that they are.

Congress left for the weekend yesterday. Tht just seems like a slap in the face. They're not even pretending to try today.

RockyTopVols

J&A2008:

RockyTopVols:

robinsokj:

This one is kind of a big deal

So.. why not cut spending in superflous programs that don't affect schools, families dependant on federally funded childcare, etc?

Such as...

So you think every single thing our government spends money on is absolutely necessary and needed?

One example off of the top of my head was the US Agency for International Development spent $30 million dollars to try to grow and sell mangos and Pakistan (and it failed).

Awesome.

$30 million is a lot of jobs.

Kristen050

Little Jerry:

RockyTopVols:

Quick question.

Would those affected include the actual Congressmen/women?

Or even if they fail to do their job- they still get paid. And will give themselves a raise I am sure.

Obviously, they still get paid, being the selfless public servants that they are.

lol.  Both my DH and my mom are federal employees so they will both get the furlough days.  DH heard somewhere yesterday that Congress "really wants to cut their own paychecks but the 27th amendment prevents them from doing so until an election year." How convenient.

littlestjerry

RockyTopVols:

J&A2008:

RockyTopVols:

robinsokj:

This one is kind of a big deal

So.. why not cut spending in superflous programs that don't affect schools, families dependant on federally funded childcare, etc?

Such as...

So you think every single thing our government spends money on is absolutely necessary and needed?

One example off of the top of my head was the US Agency for International Development spent $30 million dollars to try to grow and sell mangos and Pakistan (and it failed).

Awesome.

$30 million is a lot of jobs.

Also, cutting spending isn't the only answer. I'm no economist, but my solution would be a combo of tax increases and spending cuts, with more emphasis on tax increases and closing corporate tax loopholes. Ya know, a compromise between conservative and liberal economic ideas.

RockyTopVols

Little Jerry:

RockyTopVols:

J&A2008:

RockyTopVols:

robinsokj:

This one is kind of a big deal

So.. why not cut spending in superflous programs that don't affect schools, families dependant on federally funded childcare, etc?

Such as...

So you think every single thing our government spends money on is absolutely necessary and needed?

One example off of the top of my head was the US Agency for International Development spent $30 million dollars to try to grow and sell mangos and Pakistan (and it failed).

Awesome.

$30 million is a lot of jobs.

Also, cutting spending isn't the only answer. I'm no economist, but my solution would be a combo of tax increases and spending cuts, with more emphasis on tax increases and closing corporate tax loopholes. Ya know, a compromise between conservative and liberal economic ideas.

I agree 100%! I think it is unrealistic to cut spending and say "Ok done!". Just like it isn't realistic to say "Ok.. increase taxes 10% on everyone! Done!". To enjoy the benefits and programs that the country offers- it costs and isn't free. I think there needs to be a compromise in taxation and responsible spending.

LuckyDad

Almost everyone agrees we have a bloated military budget. But no one wants cuts in their backyard.

Everyone wants services, no one wants to pay for them.

RockyTopVols

LuckyDad:

Almost everyone agrees we have a bloated military budget. But no one wants cuts in their backyard. Everyone wants services, no one wants to pay for them.

RockyTopVols

ItsAllGravy7:

The BCA determined where the cuts would come from. Below that DOD decided that instead of doing RIF (Mass Reduction in Force, basically firing of Federal Employees) that it would be more beneficial to cut everyone's hours across the board to save the money. 20% salary cuts aren't the only thing DOD is cutting. We've frozen hiring, frozen most travel/conference attendance, etc. The hope is that people won't have to actually be fired if we can just cut pay for everyone but if people have to go unfortunately the first to go will be temporary employees, etc. most of whom already make low salaries and don't receive as many benefits. Beyond that the reason the pay cuts are being enacted how they are is because in certain states a straight 22 day government shut down would mean that Federal workers out of work for that time could claim unemployment. More unemployment spending and less DOD spending doesn't really save money anywhere not to mention military are not being cut which means all operation with Military on-site have to remain fully operational. This means instead of just letting people take a week here, a week there, or doing a straight 22 day shutdown it makes more "sense" to just cut everyone's hours by one day per week.

Thank you for all of this info and the link provided!

Kitten80

Forgetting the fact that we just ended an election year. And that they just got raises when they stil hadn't passed a budget.
 I wish we could just fire all of them in one swoop.  Could we impeac the congress as a whole?

Kristen050:

Little Jerry:

RockyTopVols:

Quick question.

Would those affected include the actual Congressmen/women?

Or even if they fail to do their job- they still get paid. And will give themselves a raise I am sure.

Obviously, they still get paid, being the selfless public servants that they are.

lol.  Both my DH and my mom are federal employees so they will both get the furlough days.  DH heard somewhere yesterday that Congress "really wants to cut their own paychecks but the 27th amendment prevents them from doing so until an election year." How convenient.

Kitten80

On a more serious note than my pp, thank you to everyone for summaries & links.  We have been sick for weeks & I haven't seen news so I was trying to figure out what was going on now.  

I also apologize for any errors you may find in my posts - I mostly mobile bump from a semi-smart phone and I do not have the ability to scroll to edit. I can only see a sentence at a time and can't go back to edit. 

lildevil968

Igoo0304:

I'm in the military community, so its a big deal to us (I know more are effected, this is just the population I'm familiar with). Civilians are getting their hours cut from 40 to 32. Several households we know would lose 20% of their incomes. 

Unfortunately, iam one of those civilians facing furlough days also. This is a big deal to us because we depend on that 40 hour week, and now I might have to take a 2nd job in order to make ends meet.

PrideandJoy29

I don't like politics anymore.

Soxgirl07

Another obnoxious thing I heard about ask this us that impacted agencies aren't really being allowed to decide where the cuts come. It's but like, ok you lose x% of your budget, figure it out. It's, you have to furlough people and cut paychecks.

I mean, I know in either case the easiest and maybe only way to do it is cut pay, but someone who will potentially be effected was telling me that they won't let them forgo the huge computer purchase they're planning to make in her office instead. So, they want to hurt people and make a point.