Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, May 21, 1994 TAG: 9405230168
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: RICHMOND LENGTH: Medium
Many of the bills Allen vetoed were measures he unsuccessfully tried to amend at the one-day session. Some of his rejected amendments merely called for re-enactment at the next regular session.
Allen already had announced he would veto a parental notification abortion bill. He objected to a provision allowing an adult relative other than a parent to be notified when an unmarried minor seeks an abortion.
He also vetoed a bill addressing public school disparity. Allen had tried unsuccessfully to delete a requirement for smaller classes in kindergarten through third grade beginning in 1996, saying the requirement would amount to an unfunded state mandate.
Allen said in his veto message to the Senate that he remains committed to addressing disparity ``in a way that does not burden localities with yet more unfunded mandates and that is sensitive to local control of public schools, a keystone of Virginia's public education system.''
The veto does not affect $103 million in funding for poor schools included in the 1994-96 state budget.
Allen also vetoed a bill requiring water skiers to wear life jackets. In his veto message, Allen said he viewed the bill not as a water safety issue, but as a matter of "freedom and responsibility."
"There is a proper role for government to step in to protect the public's health and safety. ... But I believe people must assume responsibility and exercise their own common sense in this regard."
Allen said the current law, which permits the use of a human spotter in lieu of a flotation device, is a reasonable compromise between safety and freedom.
He vetoed a bill creating a new regulatory and licensing board for dietitians because the lawmakers would not go along with his re-enactment amendment. He said he was not convinced the board was needed.
Among the bills Allen signed is one in which cancer is presumed to be a job-related illness for firefighters under workers' compensation law.
Allen wanted a re-enactment clause, but he agreed to sign the measure after its sponsor agreed to propose a bill next year allowing local governments to opt out of providing presumptive coverage for firefighters.
Keywords:
GENERAL ASSEMBLY 1994
by CNB