THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, February 19, 1995 TAG: 9502170219
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Medium: 56 lines
Responding to the overwhelming outcry of their constituents, and an unprecedented appeal from three former governors, legislators in the General Assembly last week restored $150 million in proposed budget cuts to public education, our universities and colleges, law enforcement, mental health and elderly services and the arts.
Former governors, Mills Godwin, Linwood Holton and Gerald Baliles, released a letter that countered Gov. Allen's contention that state government spending has grown irresponsibly and cited Virginia's ``bipartisan tradition of careful fiscal management and low taxation.'' The letter urged investing in Virginia's future by reaffirming support for higher education.
A coalition of business leaders and educators underscored the need to restore money in the budget for Virginia's colleges and universities as the foundation for economic progress in the state. Activists and citizens from around the Commonwealth added their voices in record numbers at public hearings and through contacts with legislators. The clear mandate of this outpouring of mail, phone calls and personal contacts was for us, as legislators, to stand up and do the right thing: keep our public schools and colleges strong, keep our streets safe and help the elderly, the ill and the mentally challenged.
The legislature, with bipartisan support, voted against the governor's recommended budget and reinstated funding for these projects. By cutting back some of the money the governor had allocated to cabinet staff, and maintaining available resources, we avoided any increases in taxes and will still be able to deliver important services.
The citizens of the 79th House District, including parts of Portsmouth, Chesapeake and Suffolk which I represent, will benefit from this restored funding in very direct ways.
Of the $13 million the governor had cut from education programs, over $1.2 million will be returned to this area for K-12 programs. The $5.9 million cut by the governor's budget for local law enforcement grants will be restored, giving our area cities money to provide five to eight more police officers on the streets. Our local public libraries will receive $70,000 that had been eliminated under the budget proposal.
Also, almost $100,000 that had been cut from services to the poorest and most disadvantaged in our area was reinstated. In addition, we all benefit from the funds that were restored for higher education because this not only provides our young people with excellent and diverse opportunities at the college level, it furthers our economic progress.
The citizens of Virginia let their voices be heard, and the legislature heeded the call.
Del. William J. Moore Jr.
Richmond by CNB