
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, October 7, 1993                   TAG: 9310070183
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A-2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE: WASHINGTON                                LENGTH: Short

LAW: FEDERAL WORKERS CAN WORK IN POLITICS

Legislation allowing federal workers to engage in political activity on their own time was signed into law Wednesday by President Clinton, ending restrictions in force for five decades.

"When I sign this bill, 3 million more Americans will have the chance to share in their beloved government," Clinton said during an East Room ceremony.

The law, which takes effect early next year, changes the 1939 Hatch Act to open the door to the political arena for most federal employees.

They soon will be able to do several once-forbidden things, ranging from envelope stuffing for a candidate on their own time to holding key party jobs. They still won't be able to run for elective public offices.

Clinton said the 54-year-old Hatch Act had worn out its usefulness and is responsible for the "muzzling of millions of American citizens." Former Republican presidents Ford and Bush vetoed similar efforts to overhaul the Hatch Act.

- Associated Press

by CNB