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 29, 2008

Below is the text of my monthly column that ran in newspapers throughout the 48th District. Best wishes to you and your family for a happy and healthy new year!

Helping Those Who Help Us

It is no secret that in times of economic downturn, donations to charitable and other non-profit groups decline. Organizations hit especially hard in tough economic times are our emergency service responders and other volunteer-operated civic and fraternal organizations that serve our community.

That is why I plan to reintroduce legislation that will increase the daily bingo limit from $4,000 to $8,000 (formerly Senate Bill 978) and support a measure that would increase the weekly limits for small games of chance from $5,000 to $20,000 (formerly House Bill 169 and Senate Bill 845); these proposals do not expand gaming, nor will they bring additional costs to Pennsylvania taxpayers. They are simply designed to help volunteer, social, and fraternal organizations generate revenue in tough economic times; alleviate financial challenges associated with increased service and equipment costs; recruitment of new members; and the constant need to fundraise.  These bills help those who help us.

It has been almost two decades since the General Assembly increased the daily bingo limit or increased the weekly limits for small games of chance. Despite concerted efforts to get my Senate Bill 978 to the Senate floor, including the introduction of an unprecedented discharge resolution (the last successful attempt was in the 1920’s), neither my bill nor similar ones made it out of the Senate Appropriations Committee.  Time simply ran out in 2008. But now, at the dawn of a new legislative session and new Senate leadership, it is time again to push these measures and support those who support us.

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.