Kaine Defends Va. Tech Settlement Efforts

RICHMOND, March 25 -- Gov. Timothy M. Kaine (D) today defended efforts to reach a settlement with families of the victims of last year's Virginia Tech massacre, saying the state and families need "to move forward together."

Speaking on his monthly call in show on WTOP radio, Kaine said he and Attorney General Robert F. McDonnell (R) are seeking a settlement that is "creative, fair and justifiable."

"We are going to continue to have a dialogue to see if we can move forward together, rather than being pitted against each other," Kaine said.

After weeks of closed door talks between attorneys for the state and the families, state officials are offering $100,000 to the 32 families of those killed providing they give up their right to sue. Those injured could also receive up to $100,000, depending on the severity of their injuries.

Under the proposed offer, the state would not admit liability but would justify the payments as a way to avoid a series of lawsuits.

As part of the deal, the state would create a fund to help pay for the medical expenses of some of the more than two dozen students and faculty members injured in the shooting, state officials familiar with the offer said.

The families would also be eligible to receive money from a separate multimillion dollar fund that would offer aid to victims or family members suffering from hardship or post-traumatic stress, an official familiar with the settlement said today.

The state would make contributions to charitable organizations or colleges on behalf of the victims.

Virginia also would cover the families' legal expenses, which could approach $1 million, the officials and family members said. More than two dozen of the family members are being represented by the Washington law firm of Bode & Grenier, which declined to comment.

Several family members cautioned today that negotiations are ongoing and the offer could change. In interviews last night with the Associated Press and the Virginian Pilot, some family members said the state's offer did not go far enough.

The families were initially told they had until March 31 to accept the offer. But some family members said today the state is extending that deadline to give them more time to consider their options.

Kaine declined to talk about the specifics of the offer, but described the recent discussions as "productive."

"I give everyone credit for sitting down and being willing to have an honest dialogue," Kaine said.