Federal Budget Cuts are Impacting Medford Now.

Federal Budget Cuts will Impact Medford


According to the Federal Funds Information for States website, which tracks the federal budget and how money is allocated to states, these cuts will effect Medford’s balances.  
1.) As of September 30th, 2013 the Congress will be passing a continuing resolution (the Republicans want it just to the end of the year- the Democratics want it going into next year).  
2.) The debt ceiling will be raised again, both parties agree on this.
3.) Sequester voted into law August of 2011 has kicked in and will kick every year until 2021.
2013 Federal budget cuts have taken $42.5 Billion out of defense and $42.5 Billion out of non-defense.

Defense will see active duty military paying more for their health insurance plan (Tricare), with deductibles rising from $160 a month (2014) for an individual to $200 (2015), families $320 to $400 a month.
Non-defense (programs subject to sequester)
Keep in mind that often 25%-30% of a state’s budget comes from the Federal Government.
Education K-12
Housing and Urban Development grants.
Evironment and Labor programs.
Municipal and state bonds.
Extended benefit unemployment.
Medicaid Services.
Competative and Noncash grants.

Unlike the federal government states have to balance their budgets.  Medford’s real estate taxes will go up it is what they go up on that we have some control over.  Food for thought in selecting your Mayor and Council on November 5th, 2013.

Respectfully,
Jeanne Martin