California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) has cut a $6.4 million program for urban Indian health clinics.

Schwarzenegger vetoed the funds as part of a larger cut to the state's budget. “The veto was not the result of the governor having any issue or concerns about the programs,” a spokesperson for the state Department of Finance told The San Diego Union-Tribune.

The San Diego American Indian Health Center has laid off 10 people and eliminated services on Wednesdays as a result of the cut. “You just can't replace $543,000 overnight,” Chief Executive Joe Bulfer told the paper.

The state created the Indian Health Program in 1954, pursuant to an act of Congress. California has the largest number of American Indians and Alaska Natives in the U.S.

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American Indian clinic struggles with cutbacks (The San Diego Union-Tribune 10/2)