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 21, 2009

Senate Finishes Session for 2009

The full Senate completed the first year of the 2009 – 2010 Legislative Session.  In its final actions for 2009, the Senate:

• Concurred by a vote of 46 – 3 in House amendments to Senate Bill 1039, which appropriates $34,532,000 to the University of Pennsylvania for its veterinary activities and museum;
• Concurred by a vote of 46 – 3 in House amendments to Senate Bill 47, which makes changes to the Public Welfare Code;
• Amended and approved House Bill 1418 which sets the Commonwealth’s indebtedness for 2009 – 2010 at $1,682,000,000, resulting in an estimated annual debt service of $134,968,000.  I was the only no vote on this bill;
• Unanimously approved House Bill 1847, which amends the Coal Refuse Disposal Control Act to allow for expansions of coal refuse disposal sites and also establishes a process to resolve disputes between well and surface owners; and
• Adopted Senate Resolution 161, which establishes a public/private commission to study and make recommendations for cutting costs of current government operations.

The Senate also confirmed – by a vote of 48 – 1 – Russell Redding as Pennsylvania’s new Secretary of Agriculture. Senator Stout was the only no vote on this confirmation.

Gaming Expansion Approved

The full Senate also approved Senate Bill 711, which expands gambling in Pennsylvania to include table games.  At the same time, this measure would bring some needed reforms to Pennsylvania’s Gaming Law.  While I supported the gaming reforms, I was not able to support the bill because it expands gambling in the state. The final vote on the bill was 27 – 22.

From My Family to Yours…

Merry Christmas!

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.

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.