Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, May 20, 1994 TAG: 9405200066
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
RICHMOND - The state Board of Education began a study of public school choice Thursday, with one member suggesting it could be the first step toward some taxpayer support of private schools in Virginia.
``What we're talking about here in Virginia is public school choice,'' said Michelle Easton, a newly appointed member who worked on school choice in the Reagan and Bush administrations.
``My sense of it is, as people get a little taste of freedom, they're probably going to want more,'' she said. ``Each step of the way, we have to discuss it carefully.''
Rob Jones, president of the Virginia Education Association, said the teachers' group could support public school choice but would draw the line at using public funds for private schools.
``The association unequivocally opposes choice plans that funnel public tax dollars to private schools,'' Jones said..
A few localities, including Roanoke, Richmond and Virginia Beach, allow some students to choose their public school. The board plans to draft recommendations for the General Assembly on whether to encourage more localities to offer choice.
- Associated Press
Commerce OKs Gaston pipeline
VIRGINIA BEACH - Commerce Secretary Ron Brown removed one of the final obstacles to building the Lake Gaston water pipeline Thursday when he concluded the project would have only minimal impact on North Carolina.
But in North Carolina, Gov. Jim Hunt and Attorney General Mike Easley vowed to keep fighting. They released an Environmental Protection Agency letter calling for a full environmental impact statement.
Brown said the importance of relieving southeast Virginia's water shortage outweighed any environmental effects of the $180 million project in North Carolina's coastal region.
North Carolina officials contend the water withdrawal will damage wetlands and wildlife habitat.
- Associated Press
Black employees sue Food Lion
RICHMOND - Current and former black employees of Food Lion filed a class-action lawsuit Thursday accusing the grocery chain of racial discrimination.
Food Lion ``has engaged in a pattern and practice of racial discrimination with respect to selections, discipline and discharges,'' said the lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court.
The plaintiffs' complaints include allegations that black employees received lower pay and were passed over for jobs they were qualified for, said Harris Butler, a Richmond attorney for the plaintiffs.
The suit claims cases of racial discrimination at stores in North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Virginia, Texas and Maryland.
Mike Mozingo, a spokesman for the Salisbury, N.C.-based chain, said the lawsuit has no merit.
- Associated Press
Indictments allege Medicare fraud
RICHMOND - A federal grand jury has indicted seven people on fraud charges in what authorities said was a conspiracy to steal at least $229,000 in Medicare funds.
A 49-count indictment includes charges of conspiracy, theft of public money, mail fraud, obstruction of justice, and aiding and abetting.
Two of those indicted, Ernest Brooks of Glen Allen and Mattie McDaniels of Chester, worked for Travelers Insurance Co. in Richmond. The indictment said they sought out people to receive illegally issued Medicare checks and cash them. In return, the others would receive proceeds of the checks, the indictment said.
- Associated Press
by CNB