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 September 1, 2008

Strong Support for Military Child Custody Bill

My Senate Bill 1107 was well received during testimony before the House Judiciary Committee.  Representatives of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, the Pennsylvania National Guard, and attorneys all spoke in favor of this legislation which would change child custody proceedings for military parents during periods when they are deployed overseas.  I was especially gratified to receive the support of Matthew Dohner, a constituent of mine and a Sergeant in the United States Army National Guard, who talked about the custody battles he faced while deployed in Iraq (and may face again when he is redeployed):  "I plead with you today to pass Senate Bill 1107 out of committee and onto a vote so that no other military family has to go through this additional stress while deployed."  Click here for a copy of his and other testimony.

Healthy Support for “Healthy Pennsylvania” Bills

My Senate Bill 1182 and Senate Bill 1189 were also well received in testimony before the Senate Finance Committee.  Senate Bill 1182 would establish tax credits for small businesses with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs).  Senate Bill 1189 would establish tax deductions and tax credits for those who pay for their health care.  Among those who testified were:

• Rick Dreyfuss, Commonwealth Foundation
• Sharon Ward, Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Centeri
• David Erdman, NFIB and Risk Management Partners, LLC
• Eric Beittel, Central Pennsylvania Association of Health Care Underwriters
• Christian Shalters, Lebanon Valley Chamber of Commerce

Click here for copies of testimony.

Advisory Committee Reports

I was pleased to receive critical input and insights from two of my Advisory Committees.  The following were among the issues discussed:

• Sportsmen’s Advisory Committee:  continued opposition to gun control measures (including banning pigeon shoots), concerns with hunting license fee increases, questions on proposed Constitutional Convention bills, insights into the Marcellus Shale formation, comments on proposed crossbow legislation and bills to restrict the powers of Deputy Game Commission Officers, and the status of a proposed Legislative Budget & Finance Committee report on deer herd management
• Agriculture Advisory Committee:  concerns with state budget allocations for agriculture and moneys for Conservation Districts, questions about overriding the Governor’s veto of spot assessment bills, and continued opposition to proposed dog law regulations and legislation

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.