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 27, 2008

Progress on the "Promise to Pennsylvania"

The "Promise to Pennsylvania" – focused on legislative and political reform, tax and spending reform, and legal and labor reform – was the cornerstone of my run for elected office.  More importantly, the Promise has guided me as a Senator, resulting in a number of key initiatives, including the Taxpayer Protection Act (SB 707); Taxpayer Funded Advertising Transparency Act (SB 1015); Healthy Pennsylvania (SB 1181 – SB 1196); Call for a Citizen's Constitutional Convention (SB 1290); Tax Me More Fund (SB 1292); accountability in the use of state vehicles (SB 1499); and the Voters' Choice Act (SB 1578).

I have also sponsored other legislative initiatives, including two that have become law:  Act 127 of 2008, child custody rights for military personnel deployed overseas and Act 76 of 2007, foster children/foster parents' rights.

While my Taxpayer Protection Act was not passed, I believe it helped to control state spending this year as the final budget was about the rate of inflation (just below 4%), much lower than previous spending increases of the current Administration.

The Taxpayer Funded Advertising Transparency Act was unanimously passed by the Senate, but it died in the House.  Nonetheless, this bill has led to questions being raised about the use of tax dollars for advertising by the Governor, various Departments, offices, boards, authorities, commissions, the Legislature, and others.

The goal of "Healthy Pennsylvania" is to reduce health care costs while maintaining quality of care by empowering consumers with choice and autonomy in their health care decisions.  As such, it was an alternative to other so-called "solutions" that called for government-run programs that have proven to be so expensive in other states and nations.

My Citizen's Constitutional Convention and two other bills were reported to the full Senate for consideration.  While none passed, they set the stage for a continuing dialogue on bringing true reform to Harrisburg – things like:  initiative and referendum, term limits, and redistricting reform.

I was amazed by the number of people – especially state employees – who contacted me in support of my bill to establish stricter accountability in the use of state vehicles.  Senate Bill 1499 would do this by requiring state employees assigned a state vehicle to maintain a monthly mileage log that would be posted online.

As my "Voters' Choice Act" was introduced late in the Session, there was not enough time to consider it.  This bill would eliminate the unfair hurdles that obstruct ballot access for minor party and independent candidates.  I plan to reintroduce it again next year.

While much was accomplished during my first two years in office, much remains to be done.  I am ready, willing, and able to continue to fulfill the "Promise to Pennsylvania".

Death of Senator Jim Rhoades

My staff and I would like to extend our sympathies to the family of Senator Jim Rhoades (Schuylkill County), who died Saturday, October 18, from injuries sustained in a car accident.

Having served almost three decades in the Senate, during the last several of which he chaired the Senate Education Committee, Jim was a true statesman, and an iconic figure in the legislature. He was well known for his passion – and compassion – in caucus, on the Senate floor, and in his community. I will greatly miss my friend and colleague.    

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.