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

DATE: MONDAY, July 18, 1994                   TAG: 9407180077
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE: LYNCHBURG                                LENGTH: Short

STATE CHAMBER DEFENDS PAYNE

The Virginia Chamber of Commerce has denounced criticism last week by its national organization of Rep. L.F. Payne for allegedly "flip-flopping" on employer mandates in health care reform.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce attacked Payne, D-Nelson County, for voting in the House Ways and Means Committee to advance a bill that would require employers to pay 80 percent of the cost of workers' health insurance.

Virginia Chamber President Hugh D. Keogh wrote to the U.S. chamber, saying, "Congressman Payne's record on behalf of business has been historically excellent." He noted that Payne supported the North American Free Trade Agreement and federal transportation funding that has benefited Virginia's economy. - Associated Press

by CNB