Welcome to "Mike's Memo," an update on what's
happening in the 48th Legislative District, the State Capitol, and the progress
of my legislative priorities. 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 May 30, 2016
Bills Signed into Law by the Governor
Senate Bill 811 Act 27 Fiscal Year 2015-16 maximum bond indebtedness for
the Commonwealth;
House Bill 944 Act 28 addresses management of Philadelphia neighborhood
improvement districts;
House Bill 1200 Act 29 repeals redundant railroad viaduct and bridge
maintenance fees;
House Bill 1310 Act 30 protects privacy of individuals who make 911
emergency calls;
House Bill 1574 Act 31 applies anti-hazing laws to schools and student
organizations;
House Bill 1788 Act 32 amends the Philadelphia Community and Economic
Improvement Act.
Comcast Leaders and Achievers Scholarships Awarded
Comcast Foundation Leaders and Achievers scholarships were awarded to select
college-bound high school seniors with demonstrated leadership skills, positive
attitude, academic achievement, and strong commitment to community service. Im
proud of the recipients from the 48th Senatorial District:
Natasha I.
Garcia (Steelton-Highspire), Jamie E. Wilson (Central Dauphin), and Kayli
Rentzel (Northeastern). Each received a $1,000 scholarship.
Congratulations!
EMS Providers Actively Involved for Over 25 Years of Active
Involvement
The week of May 15-21, 2016 was declared Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week
in Pennsylvania (Senate Resolution 376). On May 19, the Emergency Health Services Federation
held its award ceremony at the Capitol to honor and congratulate EMS service
providers who have been actively involved for 25 years or more.
Thank you to the
following individuals from the 48th Senatorial District
for your dedicated service:
Melissa Altland, York
Keith Blauch, Annville
Tammy Blauch, Annville
James Bohr, Annville
Cindy Dietz, York
William Herr, Schaefferstown
Jessica Iacono, York
Michael Keiter, York
Amanda Rosito, Harrisburg
H. Dean Sallada, Annville
Joan Sallada, Annville
Palmyra Area High School Team to Compete in National TEAMS
Competition
Congratulations to a team of sophomores from Palmyra Area High School,
Brock
Culver, Ryan James, Lucas Richardson, AJ Akins, Joey McInerney, Zach Quinn,
Ethan Moore, and John Brettler, who placed first in the state
TEAMS (Tests of Engineering Aptitude,
Mathematics and Science) competition, and will be competing at the national
competition in Nashville, Tennessee this summer. You can read more about the
team in Merriell Moyers Lebanon Daily News article
here.
Dog License and Rabies Compliance Checks in Lebanon
County
During the week of June 13, dog wardens will conduct checks in Lebanon County
to ensure all owners have current licenses and rabies vaccinations for their
dogs. Checks in Dauphin and York Counties have not yet been announced. Under PA
law, all dogs three months or older must be licensed by January 1 of each year.
The fee is $6.50 for each spayed or neutered dog, and $8.50 for other dogs.
Older adults and persons with disabilities may purchase licenses for $4.50 and
$6.50. All dogs and non-feral cats (three months and older) must also be
vaccinated against rabies. Violators can be cited with a maximum fine of $300
per violation plus court costs. For more information, visit
www.licenseyourdogPA.com.
Lebanon County PennDOT Maintenance Work Schedule
The following is the Lebanon County PennDOT maintenance work schedule for the
week of May 30. The schedule is subject to change due to weather conditions,
emergencies, or other unforeseen interruptions. Road concerns can be called into
1-800-FIX-ROAD (if calling after hours, please leave a name and phone number).
Tuesday, May 31: State Route 1004, Maple Street, North Lebanon pipe trench
repair lane restrictions/flaggers
Tuesday, May 31 Wednesday, June 1: State Route 322, Horseshoe Pike, West
Cornwall/South Lebanon base repair lane restrictions/flaggers
Wednesday, June 1 Friday, June 3: State Route 3015, Lawn Road, South
Londonderry base repair lane restrictions/flaggers
Wednesday, June 1 Friday, June 3: State Route 1011, Mt. Zion Road, North
Lebanon crack sealing lane restrictions/flaggers
Column: A Week to Remember
In his Gettysburg Address, President Lincoln said: The world will little
note, nor long remember, what we say here, but can never forget what they did
here. The same can be said for the work of the many advocates in passing
Senate Bill 3, medical cannabis. Little of what was said about their efforts
may be remembered, but no one will forget what they did to get this much needed
and long overdue measure enacted into law.
As a student of history, a thought occurred to me on April 17, the day the
Governor signed
SB 3: what would I have done in times past?
For example, April 19, 1775, a group of American patriots twice stood before
what was then the strongest army in the world to stand up for their rights and
their freedoms. Would I have stood with these patriots on the village green of
Lexington and the bridge at Concord, Massachusetts?
Later that same year, June 17, 1775, other patriots stood behind trenches dug
overnight, rocks, and fences to again face the British army. As the Americans
ammunition ran out, some broke and ran while others fought hand-to-hand to the
bitter end. What would I have done?
Finally, about a half-hour before midnight on April 14, 1912, the pride of
the ocean, RMS Titanic, struck an iceberg, foundered, and sank early the next
morning with a tremendous loss of lives. Would I have given up a seat on one of
the few lifeboats for someone else?
Thanks to the issue of medical cannabis, I now have a better idea what I
would have done during these times. April 17, 2016 was the day
SB 3 was signed into law. But, the three weeks before were trying ones.
The Senate had twice passed medical cannabis legislation the second time, SB
3, a 69-page bill.
SB 3 as it returned from the House had become a 154-page bill with questions
and concerns. Should the Senate concur in the House amendments without
addressing these issues or risk losing the entire bill by amending it?
Frustrated advocates called for concurrence. They were afraid. I understood
and felt their fears. After three weeks of careful consideration and draft after
draft of possible changes, we decided to amend to make sure it worked. There
were many who disagreed. It was a lonely feeling to not agree the Senate
seemingly standing alone.
Then, despite all the hard work over the previous three weeks in drafting
amendments to address various issues, we learned additional technical
amendments were needed. As the remaining two days of April Session wound down,
we feared action would be delayed until Mays Session more delays,
frustrations, fears, and tears for the long-suffering advocates. Even as we
rushed to finish changes, address additional issues, and answer questions, the
clock ticked away. It would have been easier to simply concur and hope changes
could be made later. Our time and our ammunition in support of making changes
was running out.
But, the Senate overwhelmingly approved the changes and the bill itself for
a third time. However, there were other issues of importance that also had to be
voted. Would
SB 3 be lost in the mix of these other issues would we lose our seat in
the line?
Fortunately, it all worked out. SB
3 passed the Senate
427, passed the House
14946, and was signed into law by the Governor. It was long but
successful especially the final week.
Contact Information
Please feel free to contact me at any time on state-related issues that are
of concern to you. I may be reached through my
website or my Lebanon or Harrisburg offices.
When contacting my office by
e-mail, mail, or telephone, please be sure to share your e-mail, telephone
number, and address so that we can follow up with you in a timely manner. Many
inquiries can be handled with a phone call or email.
Was this message forwarded to you? Visit
my website if you would like to receive your own copy of "Mike's Memo."
If you no longer wish to receive "Mike's Memo," please click
here to unsubscribe.
|

Offices
337 Main Capitol
Harrisburg, PA 17120
Phone: 717-787-5708
Fax: 717-787-3455
TTY: 800-364-1581
101 Municipal Building
400 South 8th Street
Lebanon, PA 17042
Phone: 717-274-6735
Fax: 717-274-7702
Toll Free: 1-877-222-1897 Email:
mfolmer@pasen.gov |