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 January 11, 2010

Senate Reelects Senator Scarnati President Pro Tempore

In accordance with Article II, Section 4 of Pennsylvania's Constitution, the General Assembly met last week to convene the 2010 Legislative Session.  During its first Session Day of the New Year, the full Senate reelected Senator Joe Scarnati (Cameron, Clearfield, Elk, Jefferson, McKean, Potter, Tioga, and Warren Counties) as Senate President Pro Tempore.  The Pro Tempore serves as President of the Senate and also as Lieutenant Governor upon the vacancy of a sitting Lieutenant Governor.  Since the death of Lieutenant Governor Catherine Baker Knoll, Senator Scarnati has held both positions.

Table Games Signed into Law

Both the Senate and House approved Senate Bill 711, which reforms the existing Gaming Law and expands gambling to include table games.  The Senate vote was 28 – 22 and the House vote 103 – 89.  As a gambling opponent, I was not able to support SB 711.  I hope the approved reforms will help clean up the many problems the Commonwealth has experienced since slots were approved in 2004.  The Governor signed SB 711 into law as Act 1 of 2010.

Sportsmen's Advisory Committee Scheduled

The next meeting of my Sportsmen's Advisory Committee will be Thursday, January 28, at 7 p.m., at the Palmyra Sportsmen's Association, 410 Sportsman Road and Plum Street, Annville.  The featured speaker will be Carl Roe, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Game Commission. RSVP not necessary, but is appreciated to Beth Williams by Friday, January 21. In case of inclement weather, visit senatorfolmer.com or listen to WLBR 1270.

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.