Laboring for restored funds

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.