ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1995, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, December 7, 1995 TAG: 9512070084
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-4 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: RICHMOND
SOURCE: DAVID M. POOLE STAFF WRITER
Gov. George Allen announced Wednesday that his budget recommendations due later this month would include a $100 million computer initiative for public schools, colleges and universities.
Allen said the state's emerging status as a leader in the manufacture of computer chips is not enough. "Let us resolve to make Virginia a leader in the beneficial use of this advanced technology," he said.
Allen unveiled the computer initiative at a Virginia Chamber of Commerce "Salute to Higher Education" dinner at the Jefferson Hotel. Many in the crowd came in hopes that Allen - whose commitment to education was questioned by Democrats in mid-term elections - would commit to a business-inspired plan to pump $200 million into higher education during the 1996-98 budget.
But Allen came with his own plan, one that would cost half as much and would be directed in part toward elementary and secondary schools.
The idea, he explained, was to provide equipment and software to link all schools and colleges into one computer network. This would allow children in rural schools to take advance classes through two-way communications or for all college students to tap into a "virtual" library, he said.
"It's like one of those IBM commercials you see on Sunday morning," Allen spokesman Ken Stroupe explained. "The imagination is the only limit."
Stroupe declined to say how the project would be funded. Local school systems would have to provide matching funds, he said.
After the speech, Allen told reporters that his budget recommendations would include additional money for education, but suggested that business leaders who have pushed for $200 million might have to settle for less.
"With education," he said, "there are also competing priorities."
LENGTH: Short : 39 linesby CNB