GovernorAppointed James R. Phillips as managing director...

Governor

Appointed James R. Phillips as managing director of the new California European Trade and Investment Office to be located in London. A Republican, Phillips, 62, is a deputy assistant secretary for the U.S. Department of Commerce. His salary will be $65,000 a year.

Appointed Henry R. Agonia of La Crescenta as director of the state Department of Parks and Recreation. A Republican, Agonia, 44, replaces William S. Briner, who resigned. Agonia now is director of parks and recreation for Glendale. The state job pays $72,456 a year.

Reappointed Dave Stirling of Sacramento, a former Republican Assemblyman, as general counsel of the Agricultural Labor Relations Board for a four-year term. The job pays $82,117 a year.

Assembly Committee Action:

Mental Health: The Finance and Insurance Committee approved a bill (AB 300) by Assemblyman Bruce Bronzan (D-Fresno) to require health insurance plans to offer coverage for mental health care. A 13-4 vote sent the bill to the Assembly floor.

Video Display Terminals: The Labor Committee approved a bill (AB 348) by Assemblywoman Sally Tanner (D-El Monte) to require a state study on the need for safety standards for video display terminals. A 10-0 vote sent the bill to the Ways and Means Committee. Similar legislation has been defeated at past sessions.

Senate Committee Action:

Class Size: The Senate Education Committee approved a bill (SB 436) by Sen. Gary K. Hart (D-Santa Barbara) to provide $75 million in bonuses to school districts that reduce class sizes in English, mathematics, science and social science in grades 9 through 12. A 7-0 vote sent the bill to the Appropriations Committee.

State Bar Dues: The Senate Judiciary Committee approved a bill (SB 457) by Sen. Barry Keene (D-Benicia) to allow the State Bar to increase dues for most attorneys by $15 a year. A 7-0 vote sent the bill to the Senate floor.

Bill Introductions:

Campaign Contributions: A proposed constitutional amendment (SCA 34) by Sen. Milton Marks (D-San Francisco) would require the Legislature to set limits on campaign contributions and expenditures, and establish a fund to be financed by voluntary taxpayer contributions on a matching basis. The measure would be subject to approval by voters in a statewide referendum.