Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, February 22, 1994 TAG: 9402220241
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-6 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: Jim Shuler
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Both the House and Senate have approved separate welfare reform measures. The legislation that we considered was the product of a two-year study, chaired by Lt. Gov. Don Beyer. It makes significant changes that will give people an incentive to work and assistance in gaining employment. Like most members of the House, I saw no reason to delay enacting these changes.
Legislation that I co-sponsored to reduce disparity in our public schools and raise the quality of teaching has been approved by the House of Delegates. After adding an amendment to make the funds optional to localities, Gov. Allen has offered support of this legislation. This bill would provide 75 percent of the funds to reduce class sizes in the lower grades and expansion of preschool programs. The bill also targets reduction in pupil-teacher ratios in higher grades in succeeding years. All together, this legislation will provide an additional $103 million for our schools.
The House and Senate have proposed differing versions of incentives to assist the creation of a Disney theme park in Northern Virginia. While most legislators are in favor of bringing Disney to Virginia, many question the projected benefits to the state and the amount of incentives offered by Allen. The real issue is in setting a precedent that other businesses would expect in locating here. Several of Virginia's current tourist attractions have hinted that they would expect financial assistance for expansions if the Disney incentives are approved. The House version would require that Disney repay $45 million of aid from the state and lowers the total incentive package from $163 million to $147 million.
Although we have finished work on most of the House legislation, this week will focus on the state's budget for the next two years.
I am hopeful that we will restore funding for priority programs at Virginia Tech and provide a suitable pay raise for state employees.
The House has approved two pieces of legislation that I introduced to improve our system of higher education. One requests the State Council of Higher Education conduct a feasibility study of establishing a three-semester, year-round college curriculum. A related measure asks for a report on the costs and feasibility of providing day and evening classes in our state colleges and universities.
Our community colleges do a great job of providing opportunities to those who work or otherwise cannot attend college full time. Our senior institutions should do likewise.
As the result of the recent ice storm, many of you experienced a loss of electrical power. The New River Valley was one of the hardest hit areas in the state. More than a third of Appalachian Power's customers were without electricity. It has taken more than a week to restore power to everyone, a situation that has created much distress. To assess the extent of damages and repair efforts, the House Corporations, Insurance and Banking Committee held hearings last week. As a member of the committee, I heard testimony from and questioned representatives of Virginia's utility companies.
Appalachian Power estimated a cost exceeding $9 million to repair downed lines. It was evident that the electric companies have worked tirelessly to restore power to customers. I, and other committee members, remain concerned about the ability to respond in the event of a similar emergency in the future. We will continue to explore alternative measures in the coming weeks.
You can contact me by phoning (804)-786-8425 or by writing to P.O. Box 406, Richmond, VA 23203. You can leave a message for me on our Constituent Hot line at 800-889-0229.
Jim Shuler, D-Blacksburg, a veterinarian, represents Blacksburg and parts of Montgomery and Giles counties in the Virginia House of Delegates.
Keywords:
GENERAL ASSEMBLY 1994
by CNB