A rally was held Wednesday afternoon to protest the effects of federally mandated budget cuts, also known as sequestration.

With more than 9,000 federal employees living in the Yuma area, the effects of sequestration are being felt by many throughout the community.

Several protests are being held statewide, with many being organized by various federal government unions.

Ryan Mims, who is a political organizer for the American Federation of Government Employees, says locals should understand how these cuts to the federal budget will affect the local economy.

“People need to realize these cuts will affect the economy. If these government employees don’t have money to spend in local stores and businesses, it could have a profound effect on the areas economic development."

The cuts will reduce federal spending by about $85.4 billion during the 2013 fiscal year, with similar cuts expected each year from 2014 through 2021.