Classes won't begin until
after Labor Day
Kids don't have to worry
about missing valuable theme park time toward the end of the summer.
A bill that would have allowed schools to start classes before Labor
Day was killed by the House Education Committee on Wednesday, The
Virginian-Pilot reported.
Tourism businesses, including
Paramount's King's Dominion, have fought the issue for several years.
These businesses rely on teen-age employees and argued that an earlier
start on the school year would cost them money.
Motto tries to find place
in public schools
"It's on our money, and
it's our national motto," Delegate Robert G. Marshall, R-Prince William,
said Wednesday about the motto "In God We Trust."
"I don't see why we wouldn't
post it on our schools."
The Richmond
Times-Dispatch reported that Marshall's measure to post the motto
in public schools for students to read moved forward after a 12-7
vote from the House Education Committee.
Opponents to the bill cite
the separation of church and state. "While I certainly appreciate
the motto, I don't believe it's consistent with the separation that
ought to be there," said Delegate Anne G. Rhodes, R-Richmond.
Sen. Norment apologizes
for DUI arrest
Sen. Thomas K. Norment,
who was arrested Tuesday morning on a charge of driving under the
influence, apologized on the Senate floor for the incident, the Daily
Press of Newport News reported.
An advocate of legislation
against drunk driving, Norment, R-James City, noted the irony of his
situation and the bad example he was setting for his coworkers and
the young pages working at the Capitol.
Norment's campaign 10 years
ago urged tougher DUI legislation.
