LOS ANGELES (AP) — Proposed cuts to a program that places impoverished senior citizens into part-time jobs could mean more homelessness and struggle for that vulnerable population.

The federal budget negotiated last week calls for $375 million in cuts to the Senior Community Service Employment Program, which is depended on for income by more than 75,000 Americans. To qualify for the program, participants must be over 55 and earn less than 125 percent of the federal poverty level for income.

National Council on Aging spokeswoman Marci Phillips says the cuts could cause closures of jobs programs for seniors altogether, leaving up to 58,000 jobless.

The National Taxpayers Union says the programs are redundant to federal jobs-training programs already in place.

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