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 10:06 AM EDT2013-05-23 14:06:33 GMT
Authorities say two New York City men and a New Jersey man kidnapped another man off a Queens street in broad daylight and held him for over a month, demanding $3 million from his family.
Authorities say two New York City men and a New Jersey man kidnapped another man off a Queens street in broad daylight and held him for over a month, demanding $3 million from his family.
Thursday, May 23 2013 9:07 AM EDT2013-05-23 13:07:03 GMT
The NYPD arrested a suspect in the latest anti-gay attack in the city, said police.
The NYPD arrested a suspect in the latest anti-gay attack in the city, said police. The incident Monday night involved two men, who police say, had met at the Bowery Mission and went out drinking together in the East Village. Roman Gornell, 39, was arrested on Wednesday.
Thursday, May 23 2013 9:05 AM EDT2013-05-23 13:05:21 GMT
Hollywood superstar Brad Pitt made a trip to the birthplace of Frank Sinatra on Wednesday night to promote his new movie, "World War Z."
Hollywood superstar Brad Pitt made a trip to the birthplace of Frank Sinatra on Wednesday night to promote his new movie, "World War Z." Pitt stunned the crowd at the Clearview Cinemas when he walked in just before the start of the special screening.
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:23 AM EDT2013-05-23 11:23:09 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 6:28 AM EDT2013-05-23 10:28:29 GMT
The parolee shot and killed along with a Hofstra University student by police won praise from a state parole panel in 2011 before his conditional release from prison.
The parolee shot and killed along with a Hofstra University student by police won praise from a state parole panel in 2011 before his conditional release from prison.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:08 PM EDT2013-05-23 02:08:29 GMT
A bus chaperone is accused of going on a profanity-laced tirade towards a group of 12 and 13-year-olds and a piece of candy may be what started the incident.
A bus chaperone is accused of going on a profanity-laced tirade towards a group of 12 and 13-year-olds and a piece of candy may be what started the incident.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 9:46 PM EDT2013-05-23 01:46:23 GMT
The New York City Police Department says it is beefing up security at the British consulate, military recruiting stations and other locations due to an apparent terror attack in London.
The New York City Police Department says it is beefing up security at the British consulate, military recruiting stations and other locations due to an apparent terror attack in London.
