By Kim Glovas

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Congress heard testimony from a number of organizations about the impact that sequestering, or cutting of domestic programs, would have on the country.

One of them was APM, a Latino-based human services agency in Philadelphia.

Nilda Ruiz, president and CEO of APM, told Congress that cuts to health care, drug and alcohol treatment and education services would severely impact those whose safety net is already in tatters.

“They would stop the children’s education, cancel programs and adversely affect the health of children and seniors who are ill and many others, food programs, education for day care so parents can go to work. The consequences of sequester would be absolutely devastating to our community,” Ruiz explained.

Ruiz went on to say there are always bailouts for corporations and even the banks which started the recent economic downturn.

She says Congress should look at the larger picture and she says if there is money for millionaires there should be money for the poorest as well.