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 December 22, 2008

PennDOT Seeks Public Comment

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is seeking public comment on its Draft Public Participation Plan for Statewide Planning.  The Participation Plan helps to guide public involvement in the development of the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) and future statewide Long-Range Transportation Plans.  It is used to engage a broad array of organizations, interests, and constituencies in the development of these documents.  Public involvement helps to ensure that the concerns of Pennsylvania residents and stakeholders are identified and addressed in decision-making, resulting in better transportation outcomes.

The 45 day public comment period on the Draft Public Participation Plan began on December 8, and ends January 22, 2009.  A copy of the plan is available online at www.dot.state.pa.us.   Comments can be sent to Brian Wall; faxed to (717) 787-5247; or mailed to PennDOT Center for Program Development and Management, PO Box 3365, Harrisburg, PA 17105-3365.

PA Treasury Outlines Vision

Pennsylvania State Treasurer, Robin Wiessman, recently released a report, e-Treasury Pennsylvania: Envisioning the Future of Pennsylvania Treasury, which outlines that Department’s strategic vision for the future.  Please visit www.patreasury.org/eTreasury.htm to read this report and background information.

Open Records Law Seminar Scheduled

On Saturday, January 10, 2009, I will host an informational seminar on the state’s new Open Records / Right to Know Law. The event will feature Terry Mutchler, Executive Director of Pennsylvania's Office of Open Records, and legal experts Craig J. Staudenmaier, J. Stephen Feinour, and Guy P. Beneventano. Mr. Staudenmaier Chairs the Nauman Smith law firm RTK Practice Group, which includes business and corporate attorney J. Stephen Feinour, Esq., county and municipal attorney Guy P. Beneventano, Esq.

The event will begin at 10 a.m. and be held at the HACC downtown Lebanon campus and is open to the public.

For more information on these issues or other legislative and state topics, or if you are unable to open the bill links, visit the Pennsylvania General Assembly website at www.legis.state.pa.us. 

Please feel free to contact me at any time on state-related issues that are of concern to you.  I may be reached through e-mail at mfolmer@pasen.gov, my website, or any one of my offices listed below.