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 April 26, 2010

Senate Sends Measures to Governor
The House and Senate unanimously approved a number of bills, which now go to the Governor for action:

Senate Sends Bills to House

The full Senate passed a number bills, which now go to the House for action:

• Senate Bill 81 - amendments to the Liquor Code. The bill passed 39 – 10, and I was one of the "no" votes;
• Senate Bill 85 - requires the Department of Environmental Protection to appoint an attorney as independent counsel to the Environmental Quality Board. The bill passed 48 – 1, with Senator Ferlo as the lone no vote;
• Senate Bill 1186 - adds the Washington Crossing Cemetery to the list of authorized cemeteries where the Department of Military & Veterans Affairs has the power to arrange for veterans’ burial details. The bill passed unanimously;
• House Bill 464 - prohibits the resale of tickets purchased online using "ticket purchase software." Bill passed unanimously; and
• House Bill 961 - extends the sunset date for the Municipal Waste Planning, Recycling and Waste Reduction Act (and the $2 recycling fee) through January 1, 2020. The bill passed unanimously. 

The full Senate also unanimously confirmed Harriet Dichter as Secretary of Public Welfare. 

High-Risk Pool Amended Again, Reported to Floor

Senate Bill 507, my proposal to establish a High Risk Pool (HRP) for Pennsylvania, was again amended and unanimously reported from the Senate Appropriations Committee. My goal for the legislation was to establish an independent, self-sustaining, non-profit association to help fill gaps in care for people denied insurance for medical reasons. A total of 35 other states have some version of a HRP. However, the new federal health care law places so many mandates and restrictions on states that self-sufficiency may be difficult. That is why I have also introduced Senate Bill 1312, legislation to exempt Pennsylvania from these federal mandates.

Empowerment Legislation Sent to Full Senate

The Senate Education Committee amended and reported Senate Bill 1192, reauthorization of Pennsylvania’s Education Empowerment Act, to the full Senate. The current law is positioned to sunset on June 30 of this year. I was the lone committee member to vote "no" since I do not share the belief that state control is better than local control. Additionally, an amendment was added to the bill to extend certain mandates on schools.  I believe we should be lifting state mandates, not adding to them. 

Town Hall Meeting Scheduled

My next town hall meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m., Monday, April 26, at the Tulpehocken Area School District Office, 27 Rehrersburg Road, Bethel. Please plan to join me.

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.