Welcome to "Mike's Memo," an update on what's happening in the 48th Legislative District, the State Capitol, and the progress on my "Promise to Pennsylvania," a pledge to advance government reforms, enact meaningful lawsuit abuse reform, eliminate wasteful state spending, and cut taxes. If you haven't done so already, please take a few moments to visit my website at www.senatorfolmer.com to learn more about issues that may affect you and your family.

Week of June 1, 2010

Bills Sent to Governor
Last week the legislature sent a number of bills to the Governor for action, including:

• Senate Bill 383 - provides for the establishment of problem solving courts;
• Senate Bill 828 - the "Pie Bill," which exempts home-baked goods for nonprofit organizations from Department of Agriculture enforcement;
• House Bill 1041 - authorizes pharmacists to perform drug therapy management; and
• House Bill 1720 - adds a new offense of "organized retail theft" (multiple people working together to steal large quantities of goods from retail stores for resale)

Senate Sends Bills to House
The full Senate sent a number of measures to the House for consideration. All bills passed the Senate unanimously, unless otherwise indicated.

• Senate Bill 214 - outlaws simulcasts of greyhound racing (racing is already illegal);
• Senate Bill 441 - provides for resident teacher certifications and disqualification of teaching certifications;
• Senate Bill 620 - provides for certificates of births resulting in stillbirths;
• Senate Bill 918 - consolidates county assessment laws;
• Senate Bill 1026 - establishes an antlerless deer license exemption for youths in a mentor hunting program;
• Senate Bill 1176 - authorizes the Environmental Quality Board (EQB) to adjust filing fees for mining permits;
• Senate Bills 1196 and 1197:  authorizes the EQB to adjust application fees under the Bituminous Mine Subsidence and Land Conservation Act and the Coal Refuse Disposal Control Act, respectively.
• House Bill 67 - imposes cell phone restrictions on teen drivers (passed 44 – 3). I was a "no" vote on final passage of the bill, but did support an amendment to make texting and cell phone use while driving a secondary offense. The amendment passed the full Senate 33 – 14.

The Senate also adopted Senate Resolution 250 calling for a study of consolidating property tax collection systems. 

Empowerment Act Extended
The Senate also passed – by a vote of 46 – 1 – Senate Bill 1011, legislation to extend the state's Educational Empowerment Act. I was the only "no" vote on the bill. In addition to extending the Empowerment Act, the bill also permits the Secretary of Education to issue one-time residency certificates in areas with teacher shortages. An amendment calling for school district consolidation was proposed, but failed 17 – 30.  I am interested in pursuing school consolidations, but did not support this particular amendment.

Legislative Reforms Recommended
The Grand Jury investigating the "Bonusgate" scandal recently issued a report containing a number of recommendations to reform the General Assembly and how it does business. I am pleased to say my "Promise to Pennsylvania" includes many of the recommended initiatives and I will continue to pursue them.

Committee News

Action from committee meetings the week of May 24 and upcoming meeting dates:

Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness - reported out my Senate Bill 384 (police powers at military installations) and amended and reported out House Bill 1789 (prepaid wireless for 911 services).

Local Government - reported out Senate Bills 1366 (Third Class City Code amendments), 1367 (Borough Code), 1368 (incorporated towns), and 1369 (First Class Township Code) and House Bills 1287 (amendments for incorporated towns), 1288, (Borough Code), and 1289 (First Class Township Code);

Senate Policy and Finance – 9 a.m., Tuesday, June 8, Senate Majority Caucus Room: public hearing on proposals to expand the Sales and Use Tax. 

For more information on these issues or other legislative and state topics, or if you are unable to open the bill links, visit the Pennsylvania General Assembly website at www.legis.state.pa.us.

Please feel free to contact me at any time on state-related issues that are of concern to you.  I may be reached through e-mail at mfolmer@pasen.gov, my website, or any one of my offices.

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