ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, January 8, 1997 TAG: 9701080042
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: A-1 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: RICHMOND
TYPE: ANALYSIS
SOURCE: LAURA LAFAY, ROBERT LITTLE AND WARREN FISKE STAFF WRITERS
Virginia's lawmakers convene today for a 46-day legislative session that may be remembered more for the political posturing it engenders than for the policy it produces.
The life cycle of the Virginia General Assembly - in the second year of the two-year budget, in the last year of the governor's term - leaves lawmakers with little new money to spend and few major initiatives. Many legislators will be focusing on November, when the offices of governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general will be on the ballot.
The presumed gubernatorial candidates, Republican Attorney General Jim Gilmore and Democrat Lt. Gov. Don Beyer have released similar agendas focusing on politically safe issues such as education and law enforcement.
All 100 seats of the House of Delegates will also be up for grabs. Republicans need gain only four seats to capture control of the chamber for the first time this century.
But unlike 1995 - when all seats in the House and the Senate were up for election and the General Assembly session disintegrated to a daily cat fight between Democrats and Republicans - lawmakers are promising a civil session this year.
Republican Gov. George Allen, who cannot succeed himself, has proposed no dramatic initiatives that threaten to divide Democrats and Republicans. The fiercely partisan governor who once threatened to kick Democrats' ``soft teeth down their whiny throats'' has been so affable this year that Democrats joke they hardly recognize him.
"I'm going to go up to the third floor and see if it's really him,'' said House Speaker Thomas Moss, D-Norfolk, who calls the governor ``the de novo Allen.''
``There will always be some things that will raise the ire of some folks - the election of judges, pay for state employees,'' said Sen. John Chichester, a Fredericksburg Republican and co-chairman of the Senate Finance Committee.
``But I hope all the pundits are correct and this is a fairly quiet session. So far, it seems like it will be.''
Allen has even indicated that he may be willing to soften his stance against taking almost $7 million in federal money under the Goals 2000 school-improvement program. Citing the possibility of ``federal intrusion'' into Virginia's schools, he has steadfastly rejected the money, the only governor in the country to do so.
Although no sweeping initiatives appear on the horizon, the Assembly's work this winter could affect everyday lives in Virginia. Legislators will consider easing laws on day care; requiring poorly performing sixth-graders to attend summer school; and expanding environmental protection.
Here are some things to expect:
Education
Allen has proposed $30 million in new money for public education. Of that, about $7 million would be spent to test first-graders for reading deficiencies and $6 million would be spent on teaching supplies to prepare students for new statewide tests next year. However, only $116,000 is slotted for colleges and universities, and some legislators have indicated that is not enough.
Gilmore says he will propose legislation requiring mandatory jail time for the assault of a teacher or school employee and granting immunity to teachers for ``routine acts of discipline and health-related assistance.''
Republicans say they will seek legislation, once again, that would provide legal immunity to teachers who act in good faith to restore order in schools. Democrats have argued the bill is unnecessary, noting that the Virginia Education Association already provides such coverage. This is a highly political issue. Many believe state coverage would reduce membership in the influential VEA, which is a traditional ally of the Democratic Party.
Democrats again will try to force Allen to accept Goals 2000 money. He has indicated, however, that he might be willing to accept the money if the government would drop some requirements of the program.
Beyer is proposing that sixth-graders who fail state tests on reading and writing be required to attend summer school.
Sen. John Edwards, D-Roanoke, says he will introduce legislation that would reduce college tuitions by 10 percent at a cost to the state of $45 million.
Social issues
Republicans will seek to bar abortion for a girl under 18 without notification of her parent or guardian. Similar legislation has been killed each year for more than a decade. Republicans will also seek a bill banning late-term ``partial-birth'' abortions.
Sen. Mark Earley, R-Chesapeake, will introduce a bill that would make doctor-assisted suicides illegal.
Allen is seeking to increase the children-to-staff ratios at day care centers. He also wants to lower qualifications for day care workers. Democrats, led by Sen. Stanley Walker, D-Norfolk, hope to defeat the plan.
Taxing and spending
A strong economy gives Allen and lawmakers $226million extra to spend in the state's two-year budget. Most of the money will go to prisons, public schools and the environment.
There will be no general tax increase. A proposal by Sen. Charles Colgan, D-Manassas, to repeal the local personal property tax, replacing the levy with an increase in the state sales tax, appears to be headed nowhere.
Few people can explain it. But ``lag pay'' could become a household word as Allen and Democratic lawmakers blame each other for bungling the payroll schedule of 100,000 state workers. The solution will cost between $15 million and $70 million.
Environment
After three years of inaction on the Chesapeake Bay, Allen will try to leave a ``green'' legacy by providing the first installment - $11million - for reducing nutrient flow from sewage treatment plants.
Saying Allen has gone easy on polluters, Democrats will seek funding to shore up the depleted enforcement staff of the Department of Environmental Quality.
Environmental groups will seek various measures to control or limit the flow of out-of-state trash into Virginia landfills.
Business
The General Assembly will be asked to take sides in a battle over lucrative fees for real estate closings. The high-stakes contest pits lawyers against a well-heeled coalition that features bankers and real estate agents.
Business groups will fight efforts by Del. Richard Cranwell, D-Vinton, to bring repetitive trauma injuries - such as carpal tunnel syndrome - under state workers' compensation laws.
Public safety
Gilmore plans to introduce laws increasing the penalties for setting fire to churches and for selling cigarettes to children. He will also ask legislators to enhance the power of prosecutors and grand juries in drug cases and to limit the filing of prisoner lawsuits in Virginia's courts.
One Gilmore proposal - trying drug gang members together - is expected to face opposition from trial lawyers and others who believe it could compromise defendants' rights to a fair trial.
Beyer's proposals include expanding public access to the state's sex-offender registry and giving $8.3million to localities for new police officers.
Laws clarifying that legislators and their aides can be charged and prosecuted for crimes committed while the General Assembly is convened also will be considered.
LENGTH: Long : 131 lines ILLUSTRATION: GRAPHIC: Chart: 1997 General Assembly session. color. KEYWORDS: MGR GENERAL ASSEMBLY 1997by CNB