Mike's Memo

Welcome to a new year of "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 August 11, 2008

Last week, I was proud to join Senator Jeff Piccola and State Representatives Scott Boyd (Lancaster), Curt Schroder (Chester), and Rose Marie Swanger (Lebanon) in calling for a constitutional convention to bring about needed changes in state government.  A number of these bills are planned to be considered by the State Government Committee on September 17^th, Constitution Day, including:

• Senator Ferlo’s Senate Bill 291, which would provide for a limited Constitution Convention

• Piccola’s Senate Bill 1236, which would also provide for a limited Constitutional Convention

• My Senate Bill 1290, which would establish a “Citizen’s Constitutional Convention”

Click here to watch the press conference calling for a Constitutional Convention.   

Summer Driving Tips from PennDOT

As the summer driving season reaches its peak, PennDOT is reminding drivers to make sure their vehicles are working properly to ensure safe travel.  To help avoid over-heating, a car’s cooling system, engine hoses, drive belts and battery should be inspected by a mechanic and motorists should regularly check fluid levels and tire tread depth. To quickly check the tire tread, insert a penny in the tread groove with Lincoln’s head upside down — if you can see the entire head, your tires are worn and should be replaced. For maximum fuel efficiency, tires should be properly inflated. Hot weather can cause air pressure inside the tire to expand, causing a blowout if the tire is in poor condition.

PennDOT also recommends that motorists enhance their hot-weather preparedness with an emergency kit, similar to those used in the winter months.  The kit should be stocked with things that would be needed in the event of a breakdown such as: water; necessary medications; and first aid supplies; as well as portable cooling devices, such as battery-powered fans.

For other safe summer driving tips, visit www.dot.state.pa.us. 

Sportsmen and Agriculture Meetings Set

My Sportsmen’s Advisory Committee and my Agriculture Advisory Committee will be meeting:

• Sportsmen’s: Monday, August 25, 7 p.m., at the Lebanon Valley Sportsmen’s Association, 841 Sportsmen Road, Robesonia. Discussion topics will include: Deer herd management and LB&FC study; a proposal to increase hunting license fees; Game Commission appointments and powers (House Bill 747); pigeon shoots (Senate Bill 151 and House Bill 1543); and cross bow permits

• Agriculture: Tuesday, August 26, Tuesday, August 26, 7:30 a.m., in the auditorium of the Berks County Ag Center building, 1238 County Welfare Road, Leesport. Discussion topics include the Governor’s Energy Initiative and its impact on Ag; raw milk update; and dog Law update.

For more information on these issues, and information on other legislative and state topics, visit the Pennsylvania General Assembly website at www.legis.state.pa.us.  If you are unable to open the bill links, please feel free to go directly to the Pennsylvania General Assembly website.

As always, please feel free to contact me on any state-related matter that may be of concern to you. I can be reached through e-mail, mfolmer@pasen.gov,or at any one of my district offices.