Agencies Brace for Sequestration Cuts

Government agencies on every level are keeping an eye on Washington and watching to see if the so-called "sequestration" cuts are made.

Officials with the South Dakota National Guard say automatic spending cuts could force them to furlough 548 of the Guard's 918 full-time employees for one day a week for 22 weeks, beginning in late April, if the automatic cuts are made.

Such an action would also mean those employees would also lose one day of pay each week.

State Adjutant General Tim Reisch says the planning for the furloughs is precautionary so far, but he says they need to be prepared.

Guard officials say the furloughs could affect 304 Army Guard members and  244 in the Air Guard.

The furlough schedules would be set so not everyone is away from work the same day.