The 2011 Federal Budget cuts come in the midst of an ongoing Recession that has burdened states with high populations of color, most of all. Yet, when we cut health and job training services to those who need it most, we lose our opportunity to build a healthy and strong country. And New York is no exception. New York, ranks 24th in CSI’s 2011 Impact Index and faces increased rates of uninsurance, unemployment, and poverty. New York City is set to grapple with tough decisions on the budget, while Congress is set to tackle both the debt ceiling and the 2012 budget.

Our finding show that the 2011 Congressional Cuts in WIC funding, energy assistance, health access, and job training are likely to have negative consequences for all New York City’s vulnerable residents, especially residents of color. For example, Congress gutted over $600 million in assistance to Community Health Clinics. …