The Sequester hits home: Deep cuts in long term unemployment benefits.

[cali]

State officials have learned this week how federal across-the-board spending cuts will affect Vermont.

Labor Commissioner Annie Noonan says the most tangible consequence is the federal mandate that the state reduce unemployment benefits by 10 percent for the long-term jobless.

Noonan says that cut, which goes into effect today, will be difficult for the 1,000 Vermonters who receive long-term unemployment checks.

“I believe we’ll see that rollover into folks needing assistance from other programs,” Noonan says. “You’ll see people looking for assistance with heating and for transportation and additional childcare because a $40 a week cut is substantial.”

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http://blog.vpr.net/2013/04/05/vt-labor-braces-for-sequestration-cuts/