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

DATE: SATURDAY, February 25, 1995                   TAG: 9502270054
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B-4   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: DAVID M. POOLE AND ROBERT LITTLE STAFF WRITERS
DATELINE: RICHMOND                                LENGTH: Medium

ALLEN NOT FINISHED WITH BUDGET CUTS

The General Assembly on Friday approved state budget revisions, making its repudiation of Gov. George Allen's tax and spending cuts formal, but Allen reminded lawmakers that he will get another crack at some of his spending priorities.

In a letter to legislative leaders, Allen said he would wield his authority to amend the budget when the assembly reconvenes April 5 for the annual veto session.

Allen - who on Thursday conceded that his $403 million package of spending cuts may have been ``too much'' - indicated he would not try to refight the battle over his entire tax cut package.

``But my ability to gain direct floor votes at the reconvened session on selective budget amendment proposals will ensure the accountability that the people of Virginia deserve,'' the chief executive wrote.

In other words, Allen will seek recorded votes on issues that he hopes to use against Democrats this fall when all 140 assembly seats will be on the ballot. Democrats are trying to hold onto thin majorities in the House and the Senate against a rising GOP tide.

``Go on record,'' Allen wrote, ``and let the people of Virginia judge whose vision they share.''

Democratic lawmakers said they welcome the opportunity to defend their votes that prevented Allen from cutting funds for police, colleges and services to the elderly.

The budget agreement passed unanimously in the Senate and 82-17 in the House of Delegates.

In other legislative action:

The House voted with a show of hands to kill a bill that would limit campaign contributions for candidates for statewide office and the General Assembly.

The Senate approved a bill creating the statewide Charitable Gaming Commission to regulate bingo games and raffles for nonprofit organizations, taking the responsibility away from local governments. The bill now goes to the governor.

The Senate passed a measure making it a misdemeanor to cause someone's pager to beep with intent to annoy. It was sent to the governor for approval.

The Senate passed a bill introduced this week by Allen that would require pollsters to identify themselves and say who is financing them when conducting telephone polls for politicians. With a 32-8 vote, the bill was sent to the House of Delegates.

Keywords:
GENERAL ASSEMBLY 1995

by CNB