Mike's Memo

Week of August 4, 2008

Voters' Choice Act

I recently announced plans to introduce the “Voters' Choice Act” (VCA), which would remove hurdles that obstruct ballot access for independent and minor party candidates. This legislation would make the signature requirements for independent candidates to appear on the General Election ballot the same number as the major party candidates are required for primary elections. Because minor parties do not participate in primary elections, the VCA would require them to nominate candidates for a General Election according to their own rules and at their own expense. This bill would also allow any political body that claims at least 0.05 percent of the total number of registered voters in the state, to qualify as a minor party.     

Pennsylvania law uses a complex formula to produce an extraordinarily high number of petition signatures that non-major party candidates must obtain in order to appear on the ballot in a General Election. In 2006, that formula resulted in minor party and independent candidates having to gather nearly 68,000 petition signatures to run in the General Election for Governor or U.S. Senator. Major party candidates, meanwhile, were required to gather only 2,000 signatures during the Primary Election to run for those same offices. 

Fixing State Government

Below is an excerpt from my monthly column. To read the full piece, visit www.senatorfolmer.com.

With "Bonusgate" hanging over Pennsylvania state government, we need to fix the problems that exist; we need to do it right and we need to do it now.

That's why I am pleased to sign onto and support Senator Jeff Piccola's petition calling for a Fall Special Session to bring needed reforms to the General Assembly and to provide for better ethics in the conduct of state government. While Governor Rendell could call for a Special Session on his own, he has said that "the fall schedule will be a busy one, as the vital issues of energy conservation, utility rate mitigation, and health care are the primary matters we must address."

I see nothing more important for the General Assembly and Governor to address this Fall.  There are many items to focus on – beginning with a call for a Constitutional Convention.  To me, this is the best way to ensure that “We the People” is running Pennsylvania state government.  Several bills have been introduced calling for such a Convention, including my Senate Bill 1290, which would establish a "Citizen's Constitutional Convention."   Click here to read more.

Capitol Tours Available

Looking for a creative and educational road trip this summer? Then consider a visit to the State Capitol Building, a structure President Theodore Roosevelt called "the handsomest building" he ever saw.

Guided tours allow visitors to better experience the historical, architectural and artistic highlights of the Capitol. Featuring paintings, stained glass and furnishings by some of the best artisans of the day, the building was designed in the American Renaissance style by Philadelphia architect Joseph Huston (1866-1940), who envisioned the building as a "Palace of Art."

Guided tours may be scheduled by calling the Tour Guide Office at 1-800-TOUR N PA (868-7672). Advanced reservations are suggested and required for groups of 10 or more. Guided tours are offered every half hour Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; weekends and most holidays tours are offered at 9 and 11 a.m. and  1 and 3 p.m. The Capitol is closed for tours New Year's Day, Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.  The schedule is subject to change without notice. For more information visit www.pacapitol.com.