THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, February 10, 1997 TAG: 9702080039
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A8 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Editorial
LENGTH: 53 lines
As lawmakers get down to the nitty-gritty of completing the state's $35 billion, two-year budget, let's hope the ghost of Assembly Past isn't lurking nearby.
In 1996, a budget clash - involving a bit of principle and a lot of ego - delayed adjournment by two days. After the money committees finished their work last year, House and Senate negotiators had about a week to resolve differences in the two versions of the state budget.
But it took them five days just to decide who should sit at the table. That left only 72 hours to resolve a host of policy disputes. The upshot was a delayed finish and a major embarrassment.
So far, the signs are good that this year's bargaining will be less messy. The power invested in the eight legislators - four senators and four delegates - who craft the final budget document is enormous. Technically, the full House and Senate will vote on their handiwork before adjourning on Feb. 22. But the vote comes so late in the session that legislators rarely are willing to challenge the conference committee's recommendations.
It seems clear that both the House and Senate will vote to give public schoolteachers, college professors and state workers higher pay raises than were recommended by Gov. George F. Allen. The proposed increases - the exact amount of which vary in House and Senate versions of the budget bill - are well-deserved.
The paychecks of Virginia's public-sector workers have not kept pace with those in the private sector in recent years. The state should do all it can to erase the disparity.
Among other proposed changes to Allen's budget are several spawned by political considerations. With Democrats holding a slim majority in the legislature, spending proposals of their standard-bearer in the fall gubernatorial race - Lt. Gov. Donald S. Beyer - predictably have done better than the pet projects of his GOP rival - Attorney General Jim S. Gilmore. Treating budgets as if they were political-campaign documents is not the best policy.
There also are a few direct slaps at the outgoing Republican governor. Language directing the state to apply for Goals 2000 education funds is unnecessary given Allen's recent commitment to taking the money.
Allen's proposal that lawmakers keep $21 million of the state's surplus in a reserve fund was summarily dismissed. Legislators appear likely to spend most of what they have. Given Virginia's constitutionally mandated rainy-day fund, setting aside even more money - while desirable - probably is not necessary.
As the budget negotiators begin their work, they should strive to minimize political paybacks, keep the process as open as possible and stay on schedule. If tempted to stray, they need only recall last year's debacle. Keeping to the straight and narrow is the better way.