CLEVELAND, OH (WOIO) -
You've heard the warnings and scare tactics about the sequester cuts.
Well the wait is over, the massive budget cuts take effect midnight Friday.
$85 billion in spending cuts will begin to impact federal programs if lawmakers don't get their act together.
78-year old Alyce Schwabe works out five days a week at the YMCA in Lakewood, but she wishes politicians would work out a deal to prevent budget cuts that could go into effect Friday.
Schwabe depends on Social Security. Experts say those who work for the agency could face furloughs lasting more than a week and processing disability and retirement claims might be delayed along with longer wait times for service.
Social Security checks are still expected to be mailed.
"I don't want them to cut the staff," says Schwabe.
65-year old Joseph Fields says enough is enough he wants politicians to get the job done.
"We need some compromise. It just can't continue as it is," explains Fields.
Democrats warn we could see cuts to our national parks. Thousands of seasonal workers won't be hired. We could see flight delays and cancellations because of fewer controllers on duty and thousands of teachers could be out of work.
"It's going to hurt everyone it's going to hurt me it's going to hurt you," says Fields.
The military will take the biggest hit. $46 billion could be cut from the Pentagon's budget.
Some experts warn the cuts could lead to a recession.
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Social Security Office, Cleveland, OH
