Dems Want GOP to Pledge Education Support

At a sparsely-attended press conference in Richmond today, House Democratic leaders called on Republicans to agree to preserve money for public education.

"We have seen an erosion of support by Republican leaders for public schools,'' said Del. Brian J. Moran (D-Alexandria), who leads the Democratic caucus in the House.

Republicans never said they want to cut funding for K-12 education but Democrats hope to garner some headlines on the issue before next month's election. Democrats say they are concerned because Republicans do not want to use the state's rainy day fund to help pay for a $641-million shortfall in the budget, and won't say where they will get the money.

"Cuts have to come from somewhere,'' said Del. Ward L. Armstrong (D-Henry), House minority leader.

Armstrong sent a letter to House Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) Friday asking for his committment. Howell responded with a letter explaining his objection to using the rainy day fund and his committment to education.