Evening star., 1960-01-04

ask the legislature to enact a
3 per cent levy on retail sales.
Some legislators have in
dicated they will fight the sales
tax, but it appears likely enough
support will be forthcoming to
pass it.
Exemption Fight Likely
The big fights probably will
be over exemptions. what other
taxes should be reduced, and
how the sales tax profits should
be distributed. There probably
also will be a move to cut the
levy below the 3 per cent figure
recommended by the Governor.
Northern Virginia legislators,
in particular. are expected to
put up a big battle for revision
of State fund distribution
formulas. Most Of the nearby
legislators have indicated OPP
position to the sales tax itself,
but If one is passed they want
Northern Virginia to get its
fair share Of the income.
Rapidly growing areas claim
they don't get their proper
share Of State revenues be-
cause the formulas are based
on out-of-date census figures.
The Governor has said he
will recommend that about
one-third of the sales tax levy
go to the localities. Many legis-
lators feel this is not enough.
The Governor has made no
recommendations for exemp-
ton Of food and drugs from
the sales levy. Many legislators,
including most of those in
Northern Virginia, will insist
these be exempt.
There will be pressure to
reduce the State income tax
and eliminate personal prop
erty taxes.
Litigation to Go On
In the racial field, there will
be continuing litigation but
probably little legislation.
With integration an accom-
pliShed fact in FIVE commune
ties, the battle Of massive
resistances is lost. However,
segregationistS probably will
try to figure out how the legis-
lature can make the States
private tuition-grant program
more immune to possible court
suits by Negroes.
Suits to expand integration
to other localities are pending.
Highway advertising prob
ably will produce a fight in the
General Assembly. Arlington
Delegate Harrison Mann, sup
ported by garden clubs, the
American Automobile Associa-
ton and other organizations,
plans to seek legislation BAN
ming billboards from inter-
state highways.
Another assembly battle is
probable over a proposal to
force motorists arrested for
drunk driving to submit to a
blood test. Under the plan,
which has a good deal of OPP
position. a motorist could lose
his license If he does not con-
sent to take a blood test.
A new urban county" plan
of government sponsored by
Fairfax County officials will
occupy some time Of the legis-
lature. 1t would prohibit incor-
poration of new towns in a
county adopting the plan.
Also proposed is legislation
which would make it easier for
localities to consolidate their
government or some services.
Higher teacher pay scales
will be sought by teacher asso-
Citations.
Political Prospects
On the political front next
year. the jockeying for position
in the 1861 Governors race
will intensity.
Already, 1t. Gov. A. E. S.
Stephens and Attorney General
Albertis Harrison are reported
actively soliciting upport.
Among other names mentioned
as possible candidates are
State Senator Harry F. Byrd,
jr., Delegate Robert Whitehead
of Nelson County, and State
Senator Mills Goodwin of Suf-
folk, an ardent segregationist.
The Republicans are likely to
face a determined Democratic
effort in Northern Virginla's
10th district to unseat Rep
reSentative Broyhill. Republi-
cans also hold the 9Th district
congressional seat and no doubt
will try to win some of the
eight held by Democrats.
The only other major Office
up for election in 1860 is the
United States Senate seat held
by Democrat A. Willis Robert
son. Senator Robertson plans
to run again and so far no
one has come forth to oppose
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