ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Tuesday, January 14, 1997 TAG: 9701140073
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C4 EDITION: METRO
COLUMN: General Assembly Notebook
The House of Delegates killed a bill that would have increased the minimum level of liability insurance motorists are required to purchase. Del. Morgan Griffith, R-Salem, wanted to increase the minimum coverage for a single injury from $25,000 to $35,000 and for multiple injuries from $50,000 to $70,000.
Opponents of the bill said the average injury claim is only about $8,000, so setting the minimum coverage at three times that amount is adequate.
Noticed and noted
The leader of a powerful business coalition urged lawmakers Monday to think about a tax increase to boost state colleges and universities.
"We are coming to a time when we're going to have to make more funds available," John T. Hazel told members of General Assembly tax panels.
While he stopped short of a specific proposal, Hazel later said the Virginia Business Higher Education Council would push the issue to center stage in this year's gubernatorial election.
In his remarks, Hazel said higher education is the driving engine for job growth and economic opportunity.
He said state colleges and universities need at least $200 million for faculty salary increases, student aid, technology and other programs deferred by budget cuts in the early 1990s.
Quote of the day
Virginia Commonwealth University student Duane Kay, speaking at the final public hearing on the budget, pleading for more student aid:
``I am not asking for a handout, I am asking for an investment in my future and the future of the commonwealth."
Also Monday
The state Senate delayed debate on the innocent-sounding "parents' rights amendment" Monday, opting for formal public hearings on a measure that promises vigorous debate.
The proposal would amend the state constitution to read "The right of parents to direct the upbringing and education of their children is a fundamental right."
Supporters say the change would merely affirm the right of parents to raise their children.
Opponents argue the bill is an attempt to strip school boards of authority and to challenge curriculum, homework assignments and school policies.
Senators voted 21-18 - with mostly Democrats voting yes - to send the bill back to the Committee on Privileges and Elections for a hearing.
Like all constitutional amendments, the measure would have to pass the General Assembly twice and win a statewide referendum to become law.
* A proposal to require insurers to offer coverage for birth control prescriptions received preliminary approval from the House of Delegates on Monday.
The legislation would require all insurance companies, HMOs and corporations that offer coverage for prescription drugs to include prescription contraceptives as well.
``Women feel this is the type of health care coverage they really want,'' Del. Julia Connally, D-Arlington, the bill's sponsor. ``The great benefit is it will make contraceptive drugs more affordable and available.''
* The Senate approved an amendment to the state constitution allowing local governments to set separate tax rates for industrial parks.
* The Senate approved a constitutional amendment to allow local governments acquiring debts as a part of revenue sharing to exceed the debt ceiling to which they are now limited.
Getting involved
Wednesday: After a briefing in the auditorium of the Virginia War Memorial local, units of the American Legion will visit the General Assembly. To learn more, contact your local American Legion unit or the state chairman, Cornelius T. O'Neill at (804)353-6606.
Monday: A legislative rally on behalf of Virginians with mental disabilities will be held from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. All consumers, families, advocates and professionals are encouraged to join this rally sponsored by the Coalition for Mentally Disabled Citizens of Virginia, (804)649-8481.
Jan. 21: "Old People's Day at the General Assembly" sponsored by AARP-Virginia. Seniors will gather at St. Paul's Episcopal Church on Grace Street at 8:30 a.m. and then visit their local delegation members. More information is available from the American Association of Retired Persons at (703)739-9220.
Jan. 29: Representatives of PTAs from all over the state will meet at City Hall, Ninth and Broad streets, at 8:30 a.m. They will hear Lt. Gov. Don Beyer and Del. Mitchell VanYahres, D-Charlottesville, speak before they visit their local delegates and senators to lobby for the PTA's legislative agenda. For more information, contact your local PTA unit.
How to reach your legislators
Write in care of the General Assembly Building, Richmond 23219, or call:
HOUSE OF DELEGATES
* Ward Armstrong, D-Henry County, (804)786-6817
* Tommy Baker, R-Pulaski County, (804)786-6605
* Richard Cranwell, D-Vinton, (804)786-6891
* Creigh Deeds, D-Bath County, (804)786-6606
* Allen Dudley, R-Rocky Mount, (804)786-6895
* Morgan Griffith, R-Salem, (804)786-7296
* Tom Jackson, D-Hillsville, (804)786-7301
* Lacey Putney, I-Bedford County, (804)786-6598
* Jim Shuler, D-Blacksburg, (804)786-8425
* Vic Thomas, D-Roanoke, (804)786-6900
* Clifton "Chip" Woodrum, D-Roanoke, (804)786-2898
SENATE
* John Edwards, D-Roanoke, (804)786-6702
* Emmett Hanger, R-Augusta County, (804)786-6068
* Madison Marye, D-Shawsville, (804)786-6986
* Steve Newman, R-Lynchburg, (804)786-6595
* Roscoe Reynolds, D-Henry County, (804)786-6067
* Malfourd "Bo" Trumbo, R-Fincastle, (804)786-6884
To track the status of bills, visit our General Assembly Web site at www.roanoke.com
Staff writers David M. Poole and Robert Little, Jane Evans of Landmark News Service, and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
LENGTH: Long : 118 lines KEYWORDS: GENERAL ASSEMBLY 1997by CNB