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Expert: Urban Areas Could Feel Most Impact From Budget Cuts

The budget proposal President Obama sent to Congress Monday would scale back or eliminate more than 200 federal programs.

A program that helps low-income families pay heating bills would be cut in half.

John Drew, the head of the anti-poverty agency Action for Boston Community Development says he is disappointed and dismayed by the proposed cuts.

"We expected to take a hit. We still do," Drew said. "We though it would be a manageable reduction, but not a wipe-out."

Other programs facing cuts include those that help pay for housing assistance and community block grants.

Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation President Mike Widmer said urban areas such as Boston and Lowell could get hit the hardest. He says cities and towns are feeling the accumulated cuts on all fronts.

"Which will change, I think, over time, the expectation of what cities and towns can provide in public services," he said.

Several elected officials have urged Obama not to cut funding for those programs.

Related Coverage:

This program aired on February 14, 2011. The audio for this program is not available.

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