The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in North Carolina is preparing for a loss in federal funds if the budget sequester kicks in on March 1.

The tribe received about $43.7 million in federal funds last year, The Smoky Mountain News reported. About half of that came from the Indian Health Service so sequestration will hit tribal health programs the most.

“It could be very, very difficult for this community to respond to such a deep, deep cut,” Casey Cooper, CEO of the Cherokee Indian Hospital, told the paper.

The tribe is building a new hospital building but a 5 percent cut in federal funds could force a reduction in services, Cooper said.

Get the Story:
With sequestration threat looming, Eastern Band preps for the worst (The Smoky Mountain News 2/27)

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