Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, February 8, 1994 TAG: 9402090200
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: Jim Shuler
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
I have co-sponsored several bills that will significantly change our criminal justice efforts. House Bill 273, also known as "Three Strikes - You're Out," makes a life sentence without parole mandatory for anyone convicted of a third violent felony. House Bill 274 will allow prosecutors to charge an offender with capital murder if they have been convicted previously of violent crimes. House Bill 309 reduces the minimum age for a juvenile to be tried as an adult from 15 to 14.
Two measures address parole eligibility: House Bill 1198 requires the Department of Corrections to award "good conduct" allowances only to those inmates who are actively participating in rehabilitation programs. House Bill 1231 will require anyone convicted of a violent felony to serve two-thirds of their sentence before being eligible for parole, with a second offense requiring three-fourths of the sentence to be served. Together, this legislation will help us keep violent criminals in prison and hopefully discourage others from violent acts.
I am a co-sponsor of the Omnibus Alcohol Safety Act, legislation that will toughen our drunken driving laws. We hope that this legislation will send a message to everyone who considers operating a vehicle after drinking.
During last year's elections, education was a dominant theme. In the New River Valley, education is vital not only to our families but also to our economy. I am pleased to serve as a co-sponsor of legislation that will significantly improve our schools, if approved. House Bill 947 implements the recommendations of the Commission on Equity in Public Education. It will reduce class sizes in the early grades and in schools with high numbers of at-risk students. It will increase the availability of programs for at-risk 4 year olds and provide incentives to increase parental and community involvement. If this bill is successful, we will add $100 million to our education budget.
I also am a co-sponsor of legislation that will give our school boards a means of appealing the state's determination of local ability-to-pay formula.
In an effort to help our localities provide more money for education, I am co-sponsoring House Bill 1377 to return a portion of lottery monies for education.
One of the most discussed issues this year is the legislation to allow river boat gambling in Virginia. In Virginia, it is estimated that gambling would provide 7,000 jobs in the industry alone. Most of these jobs would not be high-paying but would depend on tips.
Personally, I would rather see Virginia seek high-tech jobs that can support families. I also wonder if many of our tourist attractions will suffer when families decide to avoid areas with gambling. Your input on allowing river boat gambling in Virginia would be most helpful.
You can call our toll-free constituent hotline at 1-800-889-0229 or you can call my office directly at 804-786-8425. You may write at P.O. Box 406, Richmond, Va., 23203.
Keywords:
GENERAL ASSEMBLY 1994
by CNB