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A second recession, that’s what’s at stake according to a Florida research group. Florida TaxWatch says if Congress can’t reach a deal to avoid the sequester then the economic recovery would halt. As Whitney Ray tells us, Florida has more on the line than almost any other state.

Our military in the crosshairs. Automatic spending cuts slated for March first heavily target military spending in Florida. More than a 100-thousand Floridians are active or reserve soldiers.

Teachers are also in danger of the sequester. An estimated 750 Florida teachers could lose their jobs if Congress doesn’t act fast.

Reporter Does Florida have more on the line than other states?
Parrish: Yeah, I think we do.

Jerry Parrish, the chief economist at Florida TaxWatch says Florida stands to lose more than most because of our tourisms hot spots and military bases.

“We have a big defense industry. They are going to see cuts. All federal employees will see a cut in their pay and possibly have to take furloughs. It will also affect (U.S.) Customs and Boarder,” said Parrish.

TaxWatch released this report just days before the looming deadline. It claims the sequester could set off a chain reaction hurling Florida into a second recession.

“Continuing contractions because of the lack of investment and continued consumer spending certainly could head us toward a recession again,” said Parrish.

Governor Rick Scott came out strong against the automatic spending cuts Monday comparing Congress to school children in a game of chicken.

“It’s disappointing that the federal government can’t do what we’ve done in our state,” said Scott.

While many agree the federal government needs to break its spending addiction, Congress remains divided on when and where to cut. If the stalemate holds the decision will be made without them.

And here are the areas where Florida would be affected the most. Schools could lose 80 million dollars, environmental projects could lose six million federal dollars and about four million dollars used to provide meals to low income seniors would be cut.