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 November 9, 2009

Senate Session Schedule

With the House of Representatives not scheduled to be in Session until the week of November 9, and then again the week of November 16, it does not appear the Senate will be in voting Session until the week of November 16, at the earliest.  The Senate is waiting for the House to act on the "non-preferred" appropriations bills (legislation providing state money to charitable and or educational institutions not under the control of the Commonwealth): Senate Bills 1036 – 1040 and 1093 – 1108, and table games, Senate Bill 1033. I am opposed to table game legislation.

Improving Public Access

The Senate recently updated its website to include a co-sponsorship memos link from the current legislative session.  The memos are often the first step in garnering support for legislation, and the documentation Senators see when colleagues are proposing to introduce bills. Co-sponsorship memos are also one of the legislative records explicitly required under the new Right-to-Know Law (Act 3 of 2008).

State Revenues Continue to Lag

Even though the 2009 – 2010 state budget was signed into law (101 days late), General Fund tax revenues continue to lag below estimates.  October's revenue collections fell short of projections by $19.5 million, bringing the total current shortfall $160 million. 

This is just one of the reasons why I opposed the 2009 – 2010 spending plan - government has been growing faster than taxpayers’ ability to pay for it.  Hopefully, Pennsylvania will not face the same sea of red ink with the 2010 – 2011 budget ($3.2 billion). 

Of the $3.5 billion in October tax collections:

• Personal Income Tax revenue for October was $13.7 million over estimates;
• Corporation tax revenue was $500,000 above estimates;
• Inheritance tax revenue were $800,000 above estimates;
• Realty transfer tax revenue was $1.4 million over estimates; and
• A number of other taxes raised $11 million more than anticipated.

I will continue to be an advocate of fiscal responsibility and government spending, and carefully scrutinize each and every tax dollar spent at the burden of the citizens of the Commonwealth.

Statewide Poll Shows Continuing Concerns Among Citizens

A recently released Pittsburgh Tribune-Review poll shows that a majority of Pennsylvanians continue to be worried about the recession and low consumer confidence.  To me, this is yet another reason why state government needs to live within its means – both this year and into future years.

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. You may also want to visit "News for Constituents", a comprehensive look into various issues affecting Pennsylvanians across the Commonwealth.

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.