Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, March 2, 1995 TAG: 9503020065
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: RICHMOND LENGTH: Medium
But the governor remained silent Tuesday on whether he would approve a more generous severance plan passed by the General Assembly.
His inaction on the assembly's bill, sent to him Saturday, means those considering leaving state service will have to wait - perhaps another 30 days - before learning whether they can take advantage of severance pay or early retirement, both of which were included in the bill.
The sign-up for the Allen program was to have ended Tuesday.
``I'm not sure he understands the impact this has on individual lives,'' said Joan Dent, executive director of the Virginia Governmental Employees Association.
Secretary of Administration Michael Thomas refused to say what Allen will do with the legislation.
Describing the bill as a potential budget-buster, Allen insisted the Democrat-controlled assembly include a provision that the plan expire in July 1996. Lawmakers refused, standing by language committing the assembly only to review it in 1998 - after the Republican Allen has left office.
In extending the sign-up period for his ``voluntary separation program,'' Allen also continued a freeze on layoffs. Jay Timmons, the governor's chief of staff, said in a memorandum - a copy of which was obtained by the Richmond Times-Dispatch - that no one will be fired until after employees decide whether to apply for the buyout.
The legislation now before the governor would provide between one and nine months' salary, depending on length of service, to employees fired under his plan to shrink state government.
by CNB