Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, September 25, 1994 TAG: 9411050036
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: D12 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: NEWPORT NEWS LENGTH: Medium
Republican Phillip Hamilton wants Virginians to be able to devote their state income tax refunds to prison construction and other costs related to the abolition of parole.
Under two bills Hamilton hopes to have considered by the General Assembly this week, Virginians would be able to designate all or part of their income tax refund money to a Public Safety Trust Fund, just as they now can designate their money for political parties, the nongame wildlife fund and other causes.
Like many legislators, Hamilton says he wants to abolish parole but is concerned about the costs.
``Here are some ideas I haven't heard brought up before,'' he said. ``I'm a person who believes that all possibilities should be put on the table for discussion.''
Hamilton said Friday that the trust fund would be designated to hold money only for prison construction or other costs deemed related to the elimination of parole.
A specially created, designated fund will help people keep track of where their money is going, he said. ``One of the reasons folks have so much distrust of government is that they think their money will be used for one thing and then it's used for another.''
The trust fund also could include savings from making state government more efficient, budget surpluses resulting from improvements in the economy, and money from the federal crime bill, Hamilton said.
The General Assembly is scheduled to resume its special session on parole abolition and sentencing reforms Tuesday.
The cost of building the 27 new prisons included in the governor's plan is estimated at $1.5 billion to $2.2 billion during the next 10 years alone. Legislators have questioned whether this will prevent spending needed for new roads and college buildings.
Allen officials say 75 percent of the increase in prison costs and construction will be needed even if the state maintains its current policies on parole and sentencing.
Administration officials say they plan to finance most of the costs of the new prisons by selling bonds, including one type that would require voter approval.
by CNB