The incoming head of the Vermont National Guard says the automatic federal funding cuts will cost about 500 guard employees about 20 percent of their incomes.
In an event Thursday at Vermont National Guard headquarters in Colchester, Brigadier Gen. Steven Cray said the impact of the cuts won't be felt immediately.
The Burlington Free Press reports about 500 employees have been told they will be furloughed from their jobs the equivalent of about one day a week.
Cray was elected adjutant general by the Legislature last week. He's scheduled to take office on Friday, the same day the automatic budget cuts are due to be implemented.
Cray says budget uncertainty is the biggest challenge he will face when he assumes command of the 4,000 men and women of the Vermont Guard.
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