In a ruling that will have immediate impact on the economy of Sacramento, Superior Court Judge Patrick Marlette ruled Thursday that Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is within his legal rights to furlough state workers.

The governor issued an executive order in December proposing to reduce state workers' hours by two days per month. Workers unions immediately sued in response, and today's hearing was meant to resolve the issue.

"I cannot help but recognize the huge impact this will have on state workers," Judge Marlette said.

Judge Marlette also noted that it was not his job to rule on whether the furloughs were the right solution to the problem, but only that the governor had the legal authority.

Attorneys for state workers unions and State Controller John Chiang argued that the governor's order violated collective bargaining agreements, and said that they would seek further legal remedies.

But for now, the ruling means that state workers may lose nearly 10 percent of their monthly pay.

Judge Marlette's ruling will be posted on the Superior Court's website this afternoon.

David Watts Barton reported and wrote this article.