Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, February 8, 1994 TAG: 9402080145
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-4 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: RICHMOND LENGTH: Medium
Virginia Education Association President Rob Jones said Robb has a long history of working on behalf of teachers and children, dating to his term as governor in the early 1980s.
"I think I can honestly say that no governor in recent history has done more to forward the cause of K-12 public education," Jones said. "We have seen many education governor wannabes, but this man was the real thing."
During his term in Richmond, "We took pride in our schools, teachers, parents and students, and they in turn produced some of the finest education programs and opportunities in our state's history," Robb said in a statement thanking the education association.
Robb was welcomed enthusiastically Monday by teachers and other educators gathered in Richmond to lobby the 1994 General Assembly. He said their work helped Virginia increase teacher salaries and make other improvements.
The Democratic senator said that, as governor, his administration put more than $1 billion in new funds into public education without raising taxes. Teacher salaries increased from 34th to 26th nationally.
Educators at the meeting Monday criticized Gov. George Allen for not putting more money for education into an amended state budget.
Robb is battling Richmond lawyer Sylvia Clute for the Democratic nomination. Third District Rep. Robert Scott also has indicated some interest in running for the seat but has made no announcement.
The Republican nomination is a two-way contest between former federal budget director Jim Miller and Iran-Contra figure Oliver North.
Keywords:
POLITICS
by CNB