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The Ifced and Black
Athena, Qa. Wednesday, January B7,i98a Voi.89, Mo.52 An independent student newspaper serving the University of Georgia community News 543-1809 Advertising 543-1791
‘New federalism’ called for by President
WASHINGTON (UPI) - Promising
the nation soon will be on the road to
economic recovery, President Reagan
called on Congress Tuesday to create a
"new federalism” by transferring
responsibility from Washington to the
states for $47 billion in social welfare
programs
Delivering his first State of the Union
message to a joint session of Congress,
the president ruled out any tax in
creases this year and predicted that his
program of combined tax and spending
cuts will bring a return of prosperity in
the second half of 1982.
"Seldom have the stakes been higher
for America," Reagan said. "What we
do and say here will make all the dif
ference... to millions of everyday
Americans who harbor the simple wish
of a safe and financially secure future
for their children.”
The keystone of his address was his
sweeping proposal for the states to take
over more than 40 programs in social
services, education, community
development and transportation by
1988
"Let us solve this problem with a
single, bold stroke — the return of some
$47 billion in federal programs to state
and local government, together with
the means to finance them and a transi
tion period of nearly 10 years to avoid
necessary disruption," he said.
In what he called a "swap,”
Washington would take full control of
Medicaid, while handing the states the
food stamp and aid to families with
Dependent Children programs, Reagan
said.
To help the states pay for their new
responsibilities, Reagan urged Con
gress to create a "grassroots trust
fund” beginning in 1984 that the states
could tap for money.
The fund would receive “the full pro
ceeds from certain excise taxes,"
amounting to $28 billion a year, Reagan
said. Reagan did not indicate which
taxes, but the White House said they in
cluded the federal levies on alcohol,
gasoline, tobacco and telephone calls.
By 1988. the states would be fully
responsible for the 40 programs and the
trust fund would be phased out Reagan
said the excise taxes would then
become state taxes, with each state
free to raise or lower them as it wishes.
Growth in such federal initiatives as
Aid to Families with Dependent
Children and food stamps has made the
government more "intrusive... un
manageable... ineffective... costly...
and unaccountable.”
The president said his economic pro
gram has helped lower interest rates,
promote economic growth and control
federal spending While conceding that
the deficit "will exceed our earlier ex
pectations,” he blamed this on the
recession which he said was created by
past administrations.
“Raising taxes won’t balance the
budget," he declared. "It will en
courage more government spending
and less private investment. Raising
taxes will slow economic growth,
reduce production and destroy future
jobs."
Reagan acknowledged that the reces
sion has left him facing “major deficits,
starting at less than $100 billion and
declining, but still too high." But the
cry for increases in excise taxes on
such things as alcholic beverages and
tobacco are not the way out of the
slump, he said.
“So I will not ask you to try to balance
the budget on the backs of the
American taxpayers,” he told the
assembled lawmakers. "1 will seek no
tax increases this year and I have no in
tention of retreating from our basic pro
gram of tax relief.”
Student groups lobby
for smaller increases ■
in University tuition
By MARIA HURT
Krd and Black stall Writer
The threat of yet another increase in
tuition next year has prompted student
government organizations throughout
the state and a Georgia student lobby
ing organization to begin pressing the
Board of Regents for less severe in
creases.
In September, the regents requested
a 28 percent increase in their state ap
propriation, to $678 million, but Gov.
George Busbee earlier this month
recommended an increase of less than 9
percent.
If Busbee’s recommendation passes,
regents' officials predict, tuition will
probably go up about 8 percent. In-state
students would then be paying about 20
percent of the cost of their education.
The regents have accepted a recom
mendation of their student advisory
council that no annual tuition increase
exceed 15 percent.
But the board also intends to accept
the recommendation from the Gover
nor's study committee on higher educa
tion that students pay 25 percent of the
cost of their education, according to
board Chairwoman Marie Dodd.
"We will move toward 25 percent as a
goal for the percentage of educational
costs that students pay," Dodd said.
"That's fair to both the student and the
taxpayer,”
But that plan does not sit well with
student leaders from around the state.
"We have got to convince them (the
regents) that 25 percent is too high,”
said Mark Croney, student government
president at Georgia State University.
"There are a lot of students who will be
denied an education due to less
available aid and now high tuition
costs.”
“We accept tuition has to go up, but 25
percent is arbitrary,” said Steve
Kovall, president of the Georgia Stu
dent Organization, a student lobbying
group. “An arbitrary percentage is not
a good percentage to use You have to
have an idea of the impact on
students.”
The students also want the regents to
hold public hearings in different loca
tions around the state to give students
and concerned citizens an opportunity
to express their views on any proposed
fee hikes.
The Georgia Student Association,
which is credited with the drinking-age
bill compromise two years ago, has
both public and private school student
members. Kovall, who is both the GSA
president and the president of the
Emory University student government,
said private schools are willing to help
"We (GSA) plan to go throughout the
state to various schools and get sup
port...rallying students to the task at
hand. We will lobby with the Board of
Regents and try to get public support on
our side," Kovall said.
“We told GSA that we will take the
primary responsibility,” said Larry
Alcoff, media coordinator for GSU's
student government.
The GSU leaders and those of the
GSA say they plan to work together to
gather support to oppose the increase.
The GSA also plans to lobby for more
money for state supported school's at
the General Assembly, Alcoff said
“Our view is that we are not a lobby
that can buy votes, but we can speak in
a unified grassroots voice," Alcoff said.
The Student Advisory Council to the
Regents and its chairman, Sylvester
Ford, recommended the 15 percent ceil
ing to the Regents. The council propos
ed this ceiling to prevent increases
from ever getting too great for students
to handle, according to Ford
“Students need a tuition policy that
would be predictable and one that will
give the students the opportunity to
know in advance what the increase
would be, thus giving them time to raise
the appropriate funds,” Ford said
“We will be holding a meeting of the
Council this weekend and we should
make definite plans concerning the 25
percent figure,” Ford said.
The president defended his plan of
tax cuts and spending reductions, say
ing it will pull the economy out of its
slump and "put us on the road to pro
sperity and stable growth by the latter
half of this year.
“That is why I can report to you
tonight that in the near future the state
of the union and the economy will be
better — much better — if we summon
the strength to continue on the course
we have chartered.’'
He said the critics of his plan offer
nothing but a return to the discredited
policies of the past. "1 don’t believe we
should buy their argument,” Reagan
said. Instead, he called on Congress to
adopt his "new federalism" concept,
and its two major components.
In addition, Reagan said unspecified
“reforms" in federal entitlement will
save $63 billion over four years,
"without affecting Social Security.”
“Don't be fooled by those who pro
claim that spending cuts will deprive
the elderly, the needy and the
helpless,” Reagan admonished his au
dience, explaining that the federal
government will continue to provide
nutrition programs, minority business
assistance and health research.
Busbee optimistic about Reagan's plan
says government accountability rising
ATLANTA (UPI) — Gov. George Busbee said Tuesday
President Reagan's "State of the Union" speech signalled a
new White House willingness to forge a true partnership with
the states in running — and funding — social programs
"He has placed the issue of federalism squarely before the
Congress and the people,” said Busbee, "And, while I know
many battles will be fought over specifics with the president
and Congress, I am convinced that now at least some pro
gress can be made in making the various levels of govern
ment more accountable to the people they serve.”
The governor was especially pleased with Reagan's agree
ment to a federal takeover of the Medicaid program, which
has been a constant financial headache for Georgia and
many other states. In a prepared response to the annual
presidential address. Busbee also said he was glad Reagan
“has promised close consultation with the governor” in
choosing which domestic spending programs will be turned
back to the states.
Busbee, who received a 40-minute briefing by Reagan
aides before the speech, said the president moved to correct
many of the complaints he had made of Reagan’s "new
federalism" during the year Busbee was chairman of the
National Governors Conference.
"1 am very optimistic about the general direction in which
the president is moving,” said Busbee "The bold program
outlined by the president indicates to me that he is attemp
ting to live up to his part of the bargain with the governors in
sorting out proper governmental roles and responsibilities.”
Busbee said Reagan “has made some major concessions in
responding to the governors' concepts of what the new
federalism ought to be "
In the first six months of the Reagan administration,
Busbee — then NGA chairman — often complained that
Washington was increasing state financial responsibility for
domestic programs without removing administrative
restraints on their operation. He said, for instance, that the
federal government put up about 8 percent of the cost of
education but — through administrative rules — controlled
the spending of 50 cents of the state's education dollar.
Busbee earlier in the day told Capitol reporters his budget
staff will have a briefing with federal officials next Friday.
Busbee himself is going to the White House Monday to
discuss the budget with Reagan.
Busbee called Reagan's proposals “a bold and sweeping
restructuring of our whole domestic grant-in-aid system” but
said it would be "premature" for him to endorse it entirely
until he has conferred with fellow governors about details of
the funding changes He said formula changes might be
worked out to equalize funds among "winner and loser
states" in the swap of state and federal responsibilities.
Candidate W atson canvasses state
Jack Watson tries to show
he's more than an Atlantan
I’hMo/BIIIKrurlrr
Watson meets local citizens
By BILL KRUEGER
Red and Black Slall Writer
The two men stood in the middle of
the road, the two-story brick building
which houses the Oglethorpe County
Courthouse looming directly behind
them.
“You’re runnin’ for governor?"
asked Eddie Jones, an elderly black
man dressed in an old brown coat.
Jones, bearing a near-toothless
smile, was intrigued by this man
gripping his hand.
“Yessir, my name is Jack Watson,"
said the second man, a handsome 43-
year-old white man looking very
much the part of a businessman in his
blue suit and button-down shirt.
“You’re runnin’ for governor of
Lexington?” Jones asked
"No sir. I’m running for governor of
the whole state," said the second
man.
"I though Busbee was our gover
nor,” said Jones, his confusion
growing.
“Yessir, that’s right. But he can’t
run for re-election. Eddie, please
remember me — Jack Watson," the
other man said.
“I will, I will," Jones said, as the
two men went their separate ways,
both amused at the vast differences
between them.
As he walked away, gubernatorial
candidate Jack Watson said it was
doubtful that Eddie Jones would
remember his name six months from
now — when the Democratic primary
finally rolls around. But Eddie's was
only one of many hands that Watson
would shake this day. and some would
surely remember him.
Watson has worked in several
campaigns before, but this is his first
attempt as the candidate. As the
candidate, the former chief of staff for
President Jimmy Carter must
acquaint himself with the people of
the state.
This means more than the business
types from Atlanta that he is used to
dealing with. He needs the vote from
the farmer in Blackshear just as
badly as he needs the vote from the
lawyer in Atlanta
“I've resolved to do everything in
my power to get into every county and
as many small towns in Georgia as
possible," Watson says.
On this day, Watson will visit three
small communities in northeast
Georgia before attending a fundraiser
and reception at a supporter's house
in Athens
"This is sort of typical, but this
would have to be considered a light
day,” Watson said, explaining that
even with the election half a year
away he is working 14- to 16-hour
days, six days per week. “Soon, it will
be seven days.”
The first stop on the trip is
Lexington, where after doing a brief
interview with the local newspaper,
he makes a "sweep” of the county
courthouse.
The people in Lexington are ob
viously impressed by his efforts
"This is the first time any candidate
for governor ever came door-to-
door,” said one man. "In Lexington,
anyway.”
As he makes his rounds through the
courthouse, Watson is careful to
remember names, first names. Upon
seeing a young girl working at a
typewriter, Watson approaches her
and, as always, extends his hand
“Hi, I'm Jack Watson and I'm
running for governor. What's your
name?"
"Tammy.”
"Tammy, I’ll bet you're not old
enough to vote. How old are you,
Tammy?"
"17.”
"When will you be 18?"
"In September.”
"Tammy, that's just in time. You
remember me now — Jack Watson."
As he introduces himself to people
in the courthouse, he is always looking
for something to peg the conversation
on To the boy about to enlist in the
navy, Watson talks about his ex
perience as a Marine He tells Mr
Stewart at Stewart's Barber Shop that
he needs a haircut, but he just doesn’t
have the time He compliments one
woman on her "pretty blue eyes.”
After visiting the courthouse and
the barber shop, Watson stops at a
local bank and a car dealership before
leaving town. He is then sped to
Crawford and then Watkinsville by his
campaign assistant, 37-year-old
Charlie Schroder. ("I'm old enough to
know better than to do this stuff.'')
In all the cities he visits, Watson
makes it a point to visit the court
house and the newspaper.
“The biggest thing is to let people
know you were in town. That way,
they'll always remember you later
when they see your face on television
or whatever," says Schroder. "We
always try to hit the local
newspaper.”
Political pundits have said this
should be the toughest part of the
campaign for the Harvard-educated
trial lawyer from Atlanta In Georgia
politics, it is supposed to be difficult
for someone viewed as an Atlantan to
win a statewide race
But Watson is trying to disprove
that theory When he strolls into Dub's
Barber Shop in Watkinsville to talk
with Dub and his friends, or into
Brooks Motor Co. in Crawford to talk
with the mechanics, it is as if he was
part of the family.
"People relate to me on a very
personal basis," Watson said. "And
the fact of the matter is that 1 grew up
in a small town (Pine Bluff, Ark)."
"We run 90 percent on instinct We
don't have time for anything else,”
Schroder says. “There is definitely an
art to it.”
Prosecutors try to establish motive in Williams’ case
ATLANTA (UPI) — A 15-year-old youth
testified Tuesday that accused killer Wayne
Williams made homosexual advances to him It
was the first time the prosecution has suggested
a motive for the 28 black slayings that rocked
Atlanta.
The youth, who was not identified by
agreement of opposing attorneys, also testified
he saw Lubie Geter, one of the victims, get into
a car with Williams and that he saw Williams at
the funeral of another victim
The defense has denied that Williams, a 23-
year-old photographer and would-be music
talent scout, had any homosexual leanings
Williams is on trial for the slayings of Jimmy
Ray Payne, 21, and Nathaniel Cater, 27, but is a
suspect in at least 10 other killings, including
Geter’s.
All but two of the victims were males
The young black witness said he was selling
newspapers near a south Atlanta shopping
center in August 1980 when Williams drove up in
a car and asked him whether he wanted a job
washing cars
The youth said he replied he did and got into
the car with Williams He said the defendant
first took him to a place that looked like a
carwash, but it was closed, and then Williams
drove him to a wooded area where Williams
made sexual advances to him
The youth said Williams asked him, "Do you
have sex with boys? ”
"Then he said he was going to the trunk to get
something." the boy continued. “After he went
to the trunk, I jumped out and ran.”
The youth said he fled to some nearby
apartments and did not see Williams again that
day, but did see him two other times.
On one occasion, he said, he saw Williams
getting into a car with Geter The next time he
saw Williams, the boy said, was at the funeral of
Terry Pue, the 18th victim in the string of 28
slayings. Geter was the 17th
Although the young witness was never
identified in court, there were references in
dicating it was the same youth that suburban
Cobb County authorities had released from jail
last year in hopes that he could find the person
killing Atlanta's young blacks
The witness — later referred to as "Daryl” —
said he had pointed Williams out to a friend at
Pue's funeral as the man who made homosexual
advances to him. The witness' friend, Eric
Thompson, testified that “Daryl punched me in
the side and said ‘That was the man that
grabbed me.’”
Earlier Tuesday, a middle-aged white
housewife said she. too. saw Geter and Williams
together Ruth Warren said she overheard
Geter tell Williams, “I’d like to go with you,”
and saw them walk away together
The young witness stuck to his story despite a
blistering cross-examination by defense at
torney A1 Binder
At one point he told Binder: "That isn’t all
that Williams did," but the defense attorney
quickly changed the subject
Although Williams is officially charged w*th
only two of the 28 slayings, the prosecution is
introducing evidence of more of the murders in
an attempt to show the jury Williams' alleged
"pattern," scheme, plan and bent of mind."
Please See WILLIAMS. Page I