THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, April 18, 1996 TAG: 9604180400
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY DAVID M. POOLE, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: RICHMOND LENGTH: Medium: 91 lines
Despite petitions from two-thirds of Virginia's school boards, the General Assembly failed Wednesday to override Gov. George F. Allen's veto of federal Goals 2000 education money.
The vote means that, at least for now, Virginia won't seek $6.7 million in federal money available for teacher training.
In its annual one-day veto session, the General Assembly acted on nearly 200 bills Allen amended, including approval of emergency legislation that outlaws certain animal-rights protests against sport fishing.
Lawmakers also reconsidered portions of that state's $35 billion two-year budget that required Allen to apply for the Goals 2000 money if two-thirds of local school boards request it. Eighty-five school boards have passed resolutions requesting the aid, enough to meet the requirement.
Democrats in the House of Delegates tried to override the Republican governor's veto, but the 57-43 vote was 10 votes short of the two-thirds majority needed. That killed the measure and made Senate action unnecessary.
Allen and other conservatives say accepting Goals 2000 money would lead to federal intrusion into local school operations.
``You can't name one federal program that hasn't dictated mandates,'' said Del. M. Kirkland Cox, R-Colonial Heights.
But House Democratic Leader C. Richard Cranwell said that school boards across the state read the fine print and concluded otherwise.
``Do we have confidence in the folks back home? Or are we going to play some paternalistic role and suggest we know what's best for them?'' Cranwell asked.
Democratic lawmakers, who failed to muster the votes needed for a budget-veto override, predicted that the constitutionality of Allen's vetoes would be challenged in the state supreme court.
``I invite all interested parties to protect their legal rights and interests,'' said House Speaker Thomas W. Moss Jr. of Norfolk.
A legal challenge would determine whether the governor has the right to veto portions of the state budget that are not specific dollar appropriations.
The challenge could be brought by any of the 85 school districts that petitioned for a share of $6.7 million in federal Goals 2000 money or a state-supported, non-profit organization - known as Virginia CARES - that helps inmates adjust to society after release from prison.
``I'm thinking seriously of suing,'' said Lin Edlich, executive director of Virginia CARES, which lost $3.2 million to an Allen veto.
Allen vetoed the appropriation because Virginia CARES received a no-bid contract for pre-release and post-incarceration counseling services.
``This is about competition,'' said Virginia Beach Del. Robert Tata, who added that Virginia CARES would get to bid on any future contract.
But Democrats warned that the Allen administration could be abandoning people who have paid their debt to society.
Del. William P. Robinson, D-Norfolk, said Virginia CARES had a good track record in reducing recidivism.
Both houses overwhelmingly approved a recommendation from the governor that will prohibit harassing fishermen on Virginia's waterways. It is designed to thwart the animal-rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, whose members have begun a campaign to stop fishing practices they consider tantamount to fish torture.
The Senate approved the measure unanimously, and the 100-member House had only three opposing votes. The new law was passed with an emergency clause, meaning it will take effect as soon as the governor signs it.
Ed Rhodes, conservation director of the Virginia Bass Federation, praised the legislation but said more will be needed.
``What we'll have to do in the next General Assembly is come back and ask for legislation to put it in the same class as hunting and trapping,'' he said. Such a bill was introduced this year but was withdrawn by its sponsor, he said.
In other action, Robinson withdrew his budget amendment that would have restricted how Norfolk Sheriff Robert McCabe spent profits from telephone calls placed by jail inmates.
Robinson said his measure was not intended as a partisan payback against the Republican McCabe, but rather an attempt to make sure the money paid by inmates was used for inmate programs.
The Assembly approved an Allen amendment that would bar minors from an off-track betting parlor in Chesapeake, unless accompanied by a parent. MEMO: Staff writers Robert Little and Diane Tennant and The Associated Press
contributed to this report.
ILLUSTRATION: VETEOS WERE UPHELD ON:
[Complete text of this graphic can be found on the microfilm for
this date.]
KEYWORDS: GENERAL ASSEMBLY VETO SESSION by CNB