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Budget
From Page A-1
“The budget relies to a troubling degree on one-time revenues,” Sen. Andrews told the committees. “My biggest concern is that it will drain our resources more than increase our economic vitality.”
Education Tops Priorities
In contrast to budget amendments Allen presented last year, this budget
blueprint js dominated by significant increases for public education, new computers for schools and college faculty pay raises.
A key provision of the governor’s budget calls for the state’s investment in education to be coupled with student accountability . Gov. Allen wants to implement higher academic standards fn the basic subjects and develop a biennial .testing program based on these standards, commonly known as the Standards of Learning]
“While there is much positive that can be said about our Virginia Schools, we cannot say there is tangible, measurable evidence of progress,” he said.
Gov. Allen recommended increasing elementary and secondary education funding by $462 million to fund the state’s Standards of Quality maindates and to help reduce class crowding.
For higher education, Gov. Allen granted a $137.8 million increase in operating funds. In addition, he dedicated another $209 million in savings from college restructuring efforts to be reinvested in those institutions. He also provided relief to universities to Continue the cap on student tuition.
“This is an education budget,” said Robert Lauterberg, director of the Virginia Department of Planning and Budget who discussed the budget at a special briefing late last week. “The governor wanted to make sure a lion’s share of additional spending went to education”
More than $159 million offered to colleges and universities comes in the form of an endowment from Trigon (Blue Cross-Blue Shield of Virginia) as the nonprofit insurer converts to a public stock company.
“I was very encouraged that at least the governor understands how important education is, but I still have concerns,” Lt. Gov. Don Beyer said after Gov. Allen’s speech. “He’s made a commitment, not a bold commitment.”
Moreover, college administrators
91.5%