ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times

DATE: Tuesday, March 25, 1997                TAG: 9703250116
SECTION: VIRGINIA                 PAGE: C-4  EDITION: METRO 
DATELINE: RICHMOND 
SOURCE: WARREN FISKE THE ROANOKE TIMES

WELFARE CHANGE HELD TO FULL STRENGTH GET A JOB, WELFARE RECIPIENTS; GETTING EDUCATED IS NO EXCUSE

Recipients who are going to school will still have to work, the governor said in vetoing an exemption bill.

Accusing lawmakers of backsliding on welfare reform, Gov. George Allen on Monday vetoed legislation exempting recipients in educational programs from having to hold jobs to receive benefits.

"I oppose any weakening or backsliding on welfare reform," Allen said in a written statement.

The Republican governor accused proponents of the measure of trying "to lay the groundwork to undermine one of the nation's most principled and successful welfare-reform programs."

The measure, sponsored by Democratic Del. Jean Cunningham of Richmond and Republican Del. Vincent Callahan of McLean, was defeated on a 50-50 vote in the House of Delegates last month.

The welfare proposal Allen rejected would have allowed people who are within a year of completing an educational or training program to forgo requirements that they must work from eight to 30 hours a week to receive their benefits.

Supporters argued that the state's ambitious program to change welfare should give special consideration to women who are diligently educating themselves.

Opponents said the requirement is not excessive, noting that many people work and go to school simultaneously. Allen also argued that the mandatory exemption would strip his administration of needed control over welfare reform.

Allen also vetoed a line item that would have required the administration to appoint a task force to study Virginia's welfare-reform program. He said the proposal, inspired by Democrats, was designed to weaken reform.

Allen also rejected:

A total of 1.4 million to build a new house for the president at Christopher Newport University. The existing residence on campus "is more than adequate," Allen said. "If we are to continue meeting the needs of our Virginians for higher education, spending priorities must be established."

The General Assembly will meet April 2 to consider Allen's vetoes and proposed amendments to bills. It is extremely rare for the legislature to muster the two-thirds majority vote necessary to override the governor.

Last week, Allen vetoed a bill that would have delayed for a year the implementation of new back-to-basic learning standards for public schools. The governor wants to begin the curriculum July 1.

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