Thank You for Suggestions
Thanks to everyone who offered ideas and suggestions for continued outreach as I close my Robesonia District Office and incorporate its services into the Lebanon Office. While I continue to believe the legislature needs to “walk the talk” by finding ways to reduce costs, in light of the anticipated $5 billion budget shortfall next year, I also want to ensure the needs of my constituents are met. Among the many suggestions I have received regarding the closing of the Robesonia Office are: office hours at diverse locations in western Berks County, additional town hall meetings, and individual meetings at various locations. Hopefully, the transition to close the Robesonia office will be as smooth as the closing of the Elizabethtown District Office in 2008.
2011 Senate Leadership
Senate President Pro Tempore Scarnati recently announced the appointment of Senator Gordner as Senate Caucus Administrator. The position is responsible for scheduling clergy from various senatorial districts to serve as Chaplain of the Senate on Session days. The complete Senate leadership team is comprised of:
- Joe Scarnati, President Pro Tem – responsible to appoint standing committee chairs and represent the Senate in initiatives with the Governor and the House of Representatives;
- Dominic Pileggi, Majority Leader – oversees the legislative agenda, develops policies and strategies for the Senate Republican Caucus, and plays a key role in floor debates and initiatives with the Governor and House;
- Pat Browne, Majority Whip – acts as assistant floor leader and works to gain support for legislation;
- Jake Corman, Majority Chairman, Appropriations Committee – reviews all legislation for fiscal impact and plays a key role in developing the annual state budget;
- Mike Waugh, Majority Caucus Chair – presides over Republican Caucus meetings when bills are discussed and strategies developed; and
- Bob Robbins, Majority Caucus Secretary – oversees the executive nominations made by the Governor which require the advice and consent of the Senate;
PHIX Twist
As I anxiously await the Administration’s answers to my questions about the proposed contract to implement a Pennsylvania Health Information Exchange (PHIX), there has been an interesting turn of events involving Medicity, Inc., the chosen contractor. Aetna Inc. is buying Medicity for $500 million. This may further complicate issues I have with the project, which include the lack of legislative authorization to establish a system like PHIX while encumbering un-appropriated funds to do so and the inability to sustain such a program.
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.
As always, please feel free to contact me on any state-related matter that may be of concern to you. I can be reached through e-mail, mfolmer@pasen.gov, or at any one of my district offices.
Sincerely,
Mike Folmer
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