ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, January 19, 1997 TAG: 9701200050
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-5 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
COLUMN: General Assembly Notebook
Public hearings before General Assembly committees are scheduled on several measures of keen public interest this week.
Participants must sign up to speak prior to a hearing's start. Generally, people should arrive at the hearing room up to one hour early to sign up. On the schedule:
* CHARTER SCHOOLS: People with opinions on whether the state should allow charter schools are invited to speak Monday at 10 a.m., House Room D, General Assembly Building. Charter schools are public schools freed from some state policies and regulations. (The bill number: HB1751).
* PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES: Tuesday at 10 a.m. there is a public hearing on a proposal to lower personal property taxes.
The proposal calls for increasing the state sales tax from 3.5 percent to 5 percent and giving the extra money to localities, which in turn would reduce personal property taxes.
Senate Room B, the General Assembly Building. (The bill number: SB750).
* PARENTS' RIGHTS AMENDMENT: A one-hour hearing, 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Senate Room A, General Assembly Building, is scheduled for the proposed "parents rights amendment."
Registration for speakers: 7 to 7:15 p.m.; 30 minutes will be allocated for testimony on each side of the issue.
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. (The bill number: SJR 98).
Groups on the way...
* Virginia Citizens with Mental Disabilities will rally Monday at 11 a.m. at the General Assembly Building. All consumers, families, advocates and professionals are invited.
* On Tuesday, AARP-Virginia arrives at 8:30 a.m.
* On Wednesday, artists, performers, museum and arts professionals observe Arts Advocacy Day.
* United Methodists will gather at the General Assembly on Jan. 30. The next day, Lutherans will visit. For more information, contact your pastor.
LENGTH: Medium: 52 lines KEYWORDS: GENERAL ASSEMBLY 1997by CNB