THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Sunday, January 29, 1995               TAG: 9501270025
SECTION: COMMENTARY               PAGE: J6   EDITION: FINAL 
TYPE: Letter 
                                             LENGTH: Short :   33 lines

KEEP STATE PROGRAMS

I commend you for running the article about Virginia's status as one of the lowest-tax states in the country (46th), as well as the social costs and private benefits (about 5 pizzas per family) of Governor Allen's proposed tax cuts.

I listened intently to the Virginia Senate Finance Committee meetings that were broadcast on Public Radio recently. After hearing numerous citizens testifying about the impact of the programs scheduled for elimination, I conclude that in reality, the governor doesn't give a damn about ordinary citizens except to pander to their fears.

I would rather have my estimated $20 tax cut stay in the public coffers to maintain the programs scheduled for cuts or elimination. In fact, I would be willing to pay more taxes to assure that the handicapped get assistance they need, that our environment get better protection, that the arts, humanities and education get more funding and that programs designed to help kids at risk are expanded. As my brother who lives in Minnesota (an admittedly high-tax, but very well-governed, state) says: ``There are much worse things than taxes.''

KIP GARDNER

Norfolk, Jan. 16, 1995 by CNB