Block · one region of the page, as the scanner read it. It may hold a whole story, part of one, several, or an advertisement; stitching blocks into articles is the next step. Text is supplied OCR.
Page 9 · column 5 of 6 · from the scan, no model involved
Lawmakers do not expect Wilder’s proposal to pass, given the gun •lobby’s well-organized opposition. Gun-control supporters, who are seen as poorly organized compared to the gun lobby, are planning to argue that Virginia’s reputation as a gunrunning state is driving or keeping business away.
“We need to get the state Chamber of Commerce and businesses behind the gun control effort,” said Del. Kenneth R. Plum (D-36th District).
Lawmakers also anticipate that another Wilder proposal—imposing tough car emission standards on Northern Virginia motorists—will not pass. Critics contend that it would be best to coordinate tougher emissions standards with other states.
In a slap at Wilder, legislators will examine the Virginia Retirement System (VRS), which'has been the focus of a heated disagreement ^ between Wilder and Attorney General Mary Sue Terry. Some lawmakers want to remove the $14 billion system from government control. Others want to get the system out of , the real estate business in a reaction to Wilder’s ill-fated attempt to build the Washington Redskins stadium on VRS-owned property in Alexandria.
On social issues, a bill requiring parents to be notified when an unmarried child seeks an abortion-^ which Wilder vetoed last year—will come up again and is expected to pass. Some lawmakers said Wilder’s plan to tighten conflict-of-interest laws and limit campaign contributions in statewide races will pass.
Repeating last year’s agenda, Northern Virginia lawmakers will propose a $181 million transportation bond package and will push to get $20 million in real estate filing fees. They will also ask permission to impose an Additional 15-cent cigarette tax and 5 percent hotel tax.
91.0%