
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, January 18, 1994                   TAG: 9401190009
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV3   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: Jim Shuler
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

MORE SCHOOL CUTS NOT BEST DIRECTION

During his Wednesday night State of the Commonwealth address, former Gov. Douglas Wilder offered little in the way of direction for the new year, but instead reflected on his past four years. Though I disagreed with some of his actions, he can be proud of the recognition Virginia received as ``Best Managed State'' by ``Financial World'' magazine. He reflected that this was accomplished by ``asking a little bit from everyone, and not too much from anyone.'' I disagree. State employees in general and higher education in particular bore the brunt of the budget cuts during the last three years. Future generations of Virginians will continue paying higher tuition as a result of those cuts.

The budget that Wilder has submitted again calls for more cuts in higher education. I do not believe that this is the best direction for Virginia. Education, whether in our public schools or our colleges and universities, is an investment in our future.

Our new governor, George Allen, was to give the legislature his budget Monday night. I am sure that he will want to make some changes. Then the House of Delegates and the State Senate will each fashion their respective versions of the budget. In essence, there will be four budgets; Wilder's, Allen's, the Senate's and the House's versions. It is a complicated process and one that I am still learning.

I have spent the past week getting familiar with the people and the process that constitutes your General Assembly. I have tried to meet all 139 legislators and the members of the clerk's staff who keep everything operating smoothly.

I must admit that I am slightly overwhelmed by being a part of this process. To represent you in our nation's oldest legislative body is quite an honor. When I look around the Capitol and recall the history of this building and the people who served in it, I realize the magnitude of the responsibility you have given me.

There is no estimate yet on the amount of legislation that will be introduced this year, but the assumption is that it will exceed 2,500 bills and resolutions. The final day for introduction of new legislation is Jan. 26. Along with the budget, there will be many other issues to be decided.

In economic development, we will have to decide whether or not to provide millions of dollars in assistance to the Disney Corp. to build a theme park in Northern Virginia. There also will be measures to allow Virginia to offer incentives to any company seeking to relocate here. As the federal defense spending continues to decline, workers must be retrained and plants converted to other uses.

Highway funding for construction and maintenance also will be a major issue. A recent study suggested reducing the funding for paving rural unpaved roads by 50 percent. Although Allen has said he would veto any gas tax increase, unless we find additional funds for our highways, bridges and mass transit, our transportation system will suffer.

Allen has announced plans for a special session in the spring to deal with crime and parole, yet we will still deal with related measures to curb, drunken driving, expand the court system and build new prisons. We have yet to see what the cost might be for eliminating parole and the effect on public safety.

In the social services area, we will be looking at expanding welfare reform, the reorganization of services for senior citizens and funding for mental health services.

As the session progresses, I will try to keep you informed on issues important to the New River Valley. I depend on your guidance and advice to help me best represent you. If you have concerns about an issue or particular legislation, I want to know them.

The House of Delegates has established a toll-free telephone number for constituents. You can call 1-800-889-0229 between 8 a.m.-6 p.m. This number will allow you to leave a message for me on a particular issue. You also can contact my office directly at 804-786-8425 if you want to talk to me or my legislative assistant. You can write to me at P.O. Box 406, Richmond, Va. 23203.

Keywords:
GENERAL ASSEMBLY 1994

by CNB