Mike's Memo

Constitutional Convention Bill Introduced

I recently introduced Senate Bill 1290, my plan for a citizen's Constitutional Convention. The bill is similar to Senator Piccola's Senate Bill 1236 (of which I am a cosponsor), but my bill would not allow elected officials to serve as delegates to a constitutional convention.  Senate Bill 1290 is currently being considered by the Senate State Government Committee.

"Tax Me More Fund" Introduced

My "Tax Me More Fund" legislation was also assigned a bill number:  Senate Bill 1292. The "Tax Me More Fund" is modeled after a 2001 Arkansas law, and will serve as an alternative to tax increases and budget cuts. I believe the approach lets people speak for themselves - if you consider yourself under-taxed, feel free to donate to the fund; as the Governor and legislative leaders call for higher taxes as part of the budget, I'll ask them to write their check to the Commonwealth.  This proposal was referred to the Senate Finance Committee on February 20, 2008.

Chesapeake Bay Strategy Reviewed

The Senate Majority Policy Committee recently held a public meeting to review the Commonwealth's Chesapeake Bay Strategy. The strategy requires sewage treatment plants to upgrade technologies by 2010 and encourages farms to reduce runoff into streams.  Estimated costs of compliance run from several hundred million dollars to well over $1 Billion.

Deer Herd Management Audit

At my recent Sportsmen's Advisory Committee meeting, continued concern was expressed over the Pennsylvania Game Commission's deer herd management practices.  Phil Durgin, executive director of the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee, discussed a possible audit of this program.  I believe an audit is the first and best step in answering the many questions that have been raised.  I have pressed for, and will continue to seek, such an audit.

Unemployment Compensation Costs

Attendees at my recent Business Advisory Committee meeting heard from Eileen Melvin, one of three members of the Pennsylvania Unemployment Compensation Board of Review.  Ms. Melvin said employers seeking to better control unemployment compensation costs should consider establishing employee policies, making sure these policies are known to employees, enforcing their policies in both an equitable and timely manner, and appearing at hearings (with people having first-hand knowledge of events).