Quick Look: President Bush's FY 2009 Budget: Dept. of Labor -- Feb. 4 2008

The California Institute prepares a quick analysis of the President's budget request on the day it is released.  For the FY 2009 Budget, the budget was released the morning of February 4, 2008.  The following represents an examination of this portion of the budget from a California perspective.  For analysis of other components visit our 2009 Budget page.

 

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

The President's Budget proposes $10.5 billion in funding for the Department of Labor, a decrease from FY08 estimated funding levels of $11.4 billion. According to the Department, the 2009 budget will protect workers' wages, benefits, health and safety, and union member rights; improve job training and trade adjustment assistance programs to train more people and help displaced workers find jobs more quickly; help returning service members transition back into the civilian workforce; safeguard workers' pensions; and support efforts to modernize and improve the temporary foreign labor certification process

Employment and Training Administration

The 2009 budget proposes to transfer the Job Corps program and administrative funding back to the Office of Job Corps from the ETA. Under the new budget proposal, funding for community-based job training programs is requested at $125 million and $95 million for dislocated worker employment and training activities.

Employee Benefits Security Administration

For the 2009 budget, the Administration requests $147.8 million for the Employee Benefits Security Administration.

Migrant and Seasonal Workers Program

For several years in a row, President Bush's Budget eliminates funding for the Migrant and Seasonal Workers Program. The Budget states that the One-Stop Career Centers (requested funding at $49 million, also funded under the Department of Labor) provide many of the same services. California, with its large immigrant population and agriculture industry, typically receives a significant share of the Migrant and Seasonal Worker funds.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

The Administration requests $501 million for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration; $91 million being the maximum amount available for grants to States under 23(g) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Training grants address safety and health education needs related to specific topics and industries identified by the agency. The 2009 Budget eliminates funding for these grants, and focuses on increased compliance assistance.

 

 

The California Institute prepares a quick analysis of the President's budget request on the day it is released.  The FY 2009 Budget was released the morning of February 4, 2008.  The following represents an examination of this portion of the budget from a California perspective.  For analysis of other components visit our 2009 Budget page.

Official Source Material for FY 2009 Budget -- For your reference, the following are links to mirrored copies of OMB 2009 Budget materials (which are also available from the U.S. Office of Management and Budget via direct download)

 

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