Giant aircraft carriers kept in port have become one of the symbolic images of the federal budget cuts signed into law Friday. And while not as visual, economists say the cuts impact here in the valley will be equally as large.
"We'll see probably a larger impact than the rest of the nation on programs that we rely on such as Medicare and Head-Start programs than with the rest of the country," said Fresno City College Professor Aaron Pankratz.
How much cuts will impact these programs remains to be seen but Congressman Devin Nunes says even more cuts are needed.
"These are very small cuts and they pale in comparison to what the government is going to have to do," said Nunes.
Congressman Jim Costa called the cuts un-necessary at a press conference Friday and said even those not directly affected should be concerned.
“I think the potential that this fragile economic recovery could potentially dip us into a recession is for every middle class family a reason to be concerned," said Costa.
And while the automatic budget cuts are now officially law, many won't kick in immediately, leaving time for lawmakers to find a solution.
