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 October 20, 2008

2007 – 2008 Session Ends Amid Flurry of Activity

Prior to recessing the 2007 – 2008 legislative session, the Senate passed a number of measures, including my Senate Bill 1107, which would protect the child custody rights of service people who are deployed overseas. The bill was signed by the Governor October 9, 2008 and became Act 127 of 2008. Other bills that passed include:

• House Bill 2200 – Addresses energy initiatives, including mandated energy conservation; changes in electric energy procurement; alternative energy standards; and partial reorganization of the Public Utility Commission. The Senate voted 47-3 to pass this legislation.  I was one of the three 'no' votes, since I continue to believe that our state and nation need a comprehensive energy policy. 
• House Bill 2525 – Provides changes to Pennsylvania's Dog Law.  With Senator Eichelberger casting the lone 'no' vote, the majority of the Senate voted 49 – 1 to pass the proposal.
• House Bill 1511 - Changes the rights of foster children and foster parents that were not included in my Senate Bill 1156 (Act 76 of 2007).

The Senate also unanimously confirmed Lt. Colonel Frank Pawlowski as the new Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police.  A number of judges were also confirmed by the Senate to fill vacancies in various courts.

Bills Not Considered

Bills not passed by both chambers of the General Assembly will automatically die at midnight, November 30, with the constitutional end of the 2007 – 2008 legislative session and will need to be reintroduced next session with new bill numbers.  Below are just some of the legislative proposals that were stalled in committee and need to be reintroduced.

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.