Sequestration -- do you think it will happen?

[Anonymous]

How likely do you think sequestration and across the board spending cuts are? Just curious about others' opinions. . .

[Anonymous]

99% The Dems have a great alternative, but the R's want to go over.

[Anonymous]

What's the dems' current alternative?

[Anonymous]

I don't think it will. If the R's wouldn't in Jan., will they do it now? But never misunderestimate them...

[Anonymous]

WASHINGTON, Feb. 14 (UPI) -- U.S. Senate Democrats Thursday presented a $110 billion alternative to the looming sequester that raises $55 billion in new revenue through the Buffett Rule.

The package, which would be effective through Dec. 31, splits spending cuts and new revenue evenly in a bid to replace the $85 billion in spending cuts set to go into effect March 1.

Both Republicans and liberal Democrats voiced opposition to the proposal.

The plan -- crafted by Democrats Patty Murray of Washington, Barbara Mikulski of Maryland and Max Baucus of Montana under the guidance of Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada -- seeks new tax revenue through implementation of the Buffett Rule -- named after American investor Warren Buffett -- which would set a minimum effective tax rate for the wealthy, The Hill reported. It also would raise funds by changing taxes related to oil extraction from oil sands.

Some $27.5 billion in spending would be trimmed from the defense budget and $27.5 billion would come through elimination of agriculture subsidies, The Hill said.

The White House praised the plan.



Read more: http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2013/02/14/Senate-Dems-unveil-sequester-alternative/UPI-81391360866535/#ixzz2KueZGiby

[Anonymous]

interesting look at federal spending in Va

http://sfc.virginia.gov/pdf/retreat/2011%20Retreat/Presentation_Final%20PDF%20for%20Website/2.Revenue%20and%20Budget%20Outlook%20.pdf

[Anonymous]

Hope for the best - but prepare for the worst.

[Anonymous]

I think it will happen.

[Anonymous]

It's going to happen, the a-holes in the House are high on their gerrymandered power and are excited to steer the ship aground.

[Anonymous]

How do you think sequestration will affect people in this area who aren't federal employees or contractors or who aren't at agencies that do furloughs or RIFs?

[Anonymous]

Yes...but only because my agency is sending out furlough surveys and constant messaging on budget constrictions.

[Anonymous]

Policy experts say 50/50 chance, 70k layoffs in DC area if happens.

[Anonymous]

I'd say slightly more than 50-50. It seems unthinkable that politicans would let it happen yet so little is being done to try to stop it and they are all out on recess next week so that just leaves less than 1 week to make a deal.

[Anonymous]

I think it will happen - but then they will act on it relatively quickly after that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How do you think sequestration will affect people in this area who aren't federal employees or contractors or who aren't at agencies that do furloughs or RIFs?

'

I think there could be an affect on folks who aren't directly impacted. If they allow the sequester to go through - there will be a drag on the economy here. Its hard to say what the specific impacts will be though. And I'm guessing that Congress will act on this at some point even if it is after March 1.