White House warns of millions in cuts to Conn.

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — The White House says Connecticut could lose tens of millions of dollars for education, protecting the environment, child care and other programs as automatic federal budget cuts loom.

The Obama administration compiled state-by-state numbers from agencies and its budget office on how the spending reductions set to take effect on Friday will affect Connecticut. The numbers are based on the $85 billion in cuts for this fiscal year, from March-September.

Connecticut could lose about $8.7 million for primary and secondary education. The White House says that could risk about 120 teacher and aide jobs.

Connecticut also would lose about $2 million for clean water and air quality programs and to prevent pollution from pesticides and hazardous waste.

The Obama administration also says about 3,000 civilian defense workers would be furloughed, reducing gross pay by $15 million.