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The California state budget for the upcoming fiscal year signed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger incorporates numerous vetoes and adjustments by the governor, including the reduction of $3.8 million in funding from a statewide initiative for labor studies departments at University of California campuses.

The reduction of funding to UC labor studies departments is one of many changes made by Schwarzenegger to the budget before signing it on July 11. State legislators and UC officials are working toward reinstating the fees or finding other sources to fund the program.

The $3.8 million loss of funding would be a huge blow to the UCLA Labor Center, which offers a labor studies minor as well as research programs, workshops and conferences within the L.A. community.

“We’d lose 75 percent of our department budget. There would be layoffs, and we’ll have to cut down classes,” said Kent Wong, director of the center. He added that the cuts would probably also affect the related labor center located in downtown Los Angeles.

Wong said there was still hope of getting funding back, either through new legislative action or by universities providing money for the department themselves.

“We’re still confident we’re going to get the funding restored. Many members of the legislature have contacted us expressing their support,” he said.

California Senate Majority Leader Gloria Romero, D-Los Angeles, is one legislative member who is taking action to restore funding for the Labor Center.

“The center has provided key support for students during a time of funding cutbacks and tuition increases, creating a community of outstanding scholars and public servants,” she said.

Since the signing of the budget, Schwarzenegger’s office has also indicated that it will find a way to reinstate funding for the Labor Studies Center at the full amount, Romero said.

“I am confident that the governor will work with (UC) President (Robert) Dynes and the University of California to honor that commitment,” Romero said.

The cut from the labor department – which has long been criticized by conservatives, who have nicknamed it “Union U,” saying that it encourages anti-business and leftist political propaganda – apparently deviated from an agreement made between the governor and Democratic legislative leaders before signing the budget.

“I was surprised and dismayed that Gov. Schwarzenegger vetoed funding for the UC Labor Studies program,” Romero said.

Romero is one of many Senate members who co-signed a letter on July 12 to Dynes, calling on the UC to continue funding the center.

The university could potentially fund the center from an increase in the general UC budget of $76 million next year.

“(These are) reductions and deletions that are necessary in light of our current fiscal situation and to ensure a prudent General Reserve,” said the governor of the budget vetoes.