In Reversal, Allen Proposes Big Boost in Va. Spending

By Jessica Portner

A few months after wrangling with Virginia's Democratic leaders over his proposed decreases in aid to public education, Republican Gov. George F. Allen surprised many opponents last week by proposing a substantial boost in such funding.

And many Democratic lawmakers--who say they retained control of the legislature in last November's highly contested elections by campaigning as champions of public schools--are now applauding what many perceive as the governor's change of heart. (See Education Week, Nov. 1 and Nov. 15, 1995.)

But, in his annual State of the Commonwealth Address to lawmakers, Mr. Allen said his commitment to...