Happy New Year

Happy New Year!! I hope 2011 will be a good one for you, your family, and friends. I look forward to continue working hard to represent the people of the 48th Senatorial District and advancing my “Promise to Pennsylvania.”

Swearing In Day

Tuesday, January 4, is swearing in day for all members of the General Assembly. In accordance with Article II, Section 4 of the Pennsylvania Constitution, both the Senate and the House will convene at noon with the following Orders of Business for the Senate:

• Presentation of the Election Returns for Governor and Lieutenant Governor
• Presentation and reading of the Election Returns for Senators-elect
• Administration of the Oath of Office to Senators-elect
• Nomination and Election of the President Pro Tempore
• Administration of the Oath of Office to the President Pro Tempore, to be followed by Remarks and the Introduction of Guests
• Adoption of Resolutions putting forth Operating Rules and Ethical conduct Rules for the Senate
• Adoption of the Weekly Recess Resolution

The Senate Session will be followed by a Joint Session with the House to certify the Election Returns for Governor and to elect the Director of the Legislative Reference Bureau.

Senate Session

The full Senate will convene for Session Tuesday, January 18, for inaugural activities for Governor-elect Corbett and Lieutenant-Governor-elect Cawley. At 10 a.m., the Senate will convene to facilitate the Administration of the Oath of Office to the Lieutenant Governor-elect. Following the inaugural ceremony and remarks from the Lieutenant Governor, senators will proceed to the Inauguration Ceremony for Governor-elect Corbett.

The Senate will also convene at 10 a.m., Wednesday, January 19, but no roll call votes are anticipated.

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

###

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

###

Bills Become Law

Last week Governor Rendell signed my Senate Bill 906, legislation that adds bioterrorism to the Pennsylvania Crime Code and amends the agricultural trespasser offense, and makes it a misdemeanor of the first degree to enter without authorization an agricultural bio-security area or enter an area without first performing bio-security measures. This is my fifth bill to become law. In addition to Senate Bill 906, the Governor also signed the following bills into law:

• House Bill 174 (Act 106): increases government oversight of food inspections;
• House Bill 196 (Act 107): limits the sale of certain over-the-counter cold medicines sometimes used by criminals to illegally manufacture methamphetamine;
• Senate Bill 441 (Act 123): changes responsibilities for school nurse practitioners;
• Senate Bill 642 (Act 124): provides for provisional licenses under the Sign Language Interpreter and Transliterator State Registration Act;
• Senate Bill 976 (Act 126): changes in the Amber Alert system;
• House Bill 708 (Act 108): establishes a statewide electronic waste recycling program;
• House Bill 1394 (Act 109): permits landowners enrolled in the Clean and Green program to allow development of wind and solar power generation;
• House Bill 1482 (Act 110): requires health care facility employees to wear a photo ID badge while working;
• House Bill 1609 (Act 111): amends the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code to provide for traditional neighborhood development
• House Bill 1639 (Act 112): makes child custody changes;
• House Bill 2139 (Act 113): creates the Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus System (PASS);
• House Bill 2172 (Act 114): increases the jurisdictional amounts in the Philadelphia Municipal Court and all magisterial district judge courts;
• House Bill 2258 (Act 115): amends the Juvenile Act to provide for sibling placement and visitation;
• House Bill 2273 (Act 116): provides for a fee for cervidae livestock operation licenses;
• House Bill 2321 (Act 118): applies the E-911 surcharge to prepaid wireless phones;
• House Bill 2338 (Act 119): outlines principles for children in foster care by foster parents and county and private agencies;
• House Bill 2497 (Act 120): makes various changes in Pennsylvania’s public pension systems (SERS and PSERS) to attempt to address their ongoing financial problems;
• House Bill 2521 (Act 121): enacts the Anatomic Pathology Services Disclosure Act; and
• House Bill 2547 (Act 122): provides exceptions to license fees for manufactured homes

Bills Vetoed

Aside from signing numerous bills into law, Governor Rendell vetoed three pieces of legislation, bringing his total number of vetoes this year to six.

• House Bill 1231: creates a presumption of cancer under Pennsylvania’s Occupational Disease law for certain firefighters;
• House Bill 1926: changes the registration requirements for sex offenders and establishes a Pennsylvania “Castle Doctrine;” and
• House Bill 2477: gives counties the option of eliminating jury commissioners and exempts coroner reports from the Right to Know Law.

We Spend How Much

For those of you, who like me, are concerned about out-of-control government spending, taxing, and borrowing, check the new feature on my website. The 2010-2011 state budget is $28 billion, which translates to daily spending of $76 million, hourly spending of $3.2 million, $53,354 each minute, and $889 every second. When you visit my website, you will see how much the state has spent of YOUR hard-earned money in the time you have been on the site.

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

###

Cutting Costs

With Pennsylvania facing a budget shortfall by as much as $5 billion, I believe the legislature needs to “walk the talk” and examine ways to reduce spending. With this in mind, I plan to close my Robesonia District Office and incorporate the operations into my Lebanon District Office. My goal is to make a seamless transition. Berks County constituents will continue to have access to state services through the Lebanon office located in the Lebanon County Courthouse, or by calling 1-877-222-1897. Information regarding our services can also be found in the “Constituent Services” section of my website.

Among the continued services I envision for constituents of the 48th Senatorial District are: office hours at other locations in western Berks County, additional town hall meetings in the area, and individual meetings at convenient locations. I look forward to any additional ideas you may have.

PHIX Saga Continues

Last month I reported on the Rendell Administration’s plans to award a $31,701,550 contract to Medicity to move forward with a planned Pennsylvania Health Information Exchange (PHIX). Medicity is the same vendor the Rendell Administration proposed awarding a sole-source, no bid contact to earlier in the year, but backed off due to my protests. With the General Assembly in recess and awaiting the January swearing-in of new legislators and Governor, legislative options are rather limited. Fortunately, AT&T, a competing bidder, has filed a protest with the Department of General Services. A copy of the AT&T protest can be found on my website.

Net Neutrality

With the electoral changes in Congress, a number of issues are outstanding – including one of concern to me – “net neutrality.” While the name is not indicative of the purpose (i.e., regulation of the internet), proponents argue such government regulation is needed to keep the internet free and open by keeping companies from dominating access or otherwise creating a monopoly (i.e., charging more for high-speed service and/or other actions resulting in a two-tiered system of those who can pay more for internet access and those who cannot). I disagree. I believe government control is unnecessary, and a threat to our First Amendment right to freedom of speech. Also, I believe this is a deterrence for further (private) investments in the internet as private businesses and individuals build the data networks, write the software, own the servers and computers, and develop the content and websites.

I believe this issue is similar to the development of Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs). Initially, one could only use their ATM card at their bank – it was difficult, if not impossible, to use an ATM card at other banks. Later, some banks began to charge fees, resulting in calls for government oversight and/or limitations. As ATM services and access increased, most fees disappeared with banks competing for customers. Government oversight could never have kept pace and we would not have the ability today to use an ATM card at almost any bank throughout the world. I will continue to watch this issue carefully.

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

###

Thank You

I am truly humbled by the overwhelming support I received in seeking my second term to the Pennsylvania Senate and would like to thank everyone for your encouragement, kind words and prayers. From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU! Rest assured, I will continue to fight for the initiatives in the “Promise to Pennsylvania” – legislative and political reform, tax and spending reform, and legal and labor law reform. My goal is to continue to be a strong and consistent voice for taxpayers – people like you who pay bills on time and worry about the future for themselves and their families. I will continue to work to squeeze every penny out of every tax dollar so that government is a better steward of YOUR tax money!

At the same time, I will continue to push for changes that will put “We the People” back in charge of our state government. Some of these needed reforms include:

• A Taxpayer Protection Act;
• A Citizens’ Constitutional Convention;
• Accountability in the use of state vehicles;
• Increased accountability about taxpayer-paid ads; and
• Getting Congress to recognize state sovereignty as guaranteed by the 10th Amendment

I take your trust seriously and am honored to serve as your State Senator for the next four years.

Senate Session

The Senate will meet for a ceremonial session at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, November 17, to say farewell to departing members, sign legislation received from the House (i.e., bills previously approved by the Senate and not amended in the House), and adopt congratulatory and condolence resolutions. No legislation will be considered.

In accordance with Article II, Section 4 of the state Constitution, the Senate will convene at noon, Tuesday, January 4, for the 2011 – 2012 Session to swear in newly and reelected Senators. The three new Senators being sworn in include:

John Yudichak – 14th Senatorial District (Carbon, Luzerne, and Monroe Counties – the seat is presently held by Senator Musto). Senator-elect Yudichak is the current State Representative for the 119th Legislative District.

John Blake – 22nd Senatorial District (Lackawanna, Luzerne, and Monroe Counties – the seat is presently held by Senator Mellow)

Tim Solobay – 46th Senatorial District (Allegheny, Beaver, Greene, Washington, and Westmoreland Counties – the seat is presently held by Senator Stout). Senator-elect Solobay is the current State Representative for the 48th Legislative District.

The Senate will also be in Session Tuesday, January 18, when the Governor and Lieutenant Governor are sworn in. Other 2010 scheduled Session Days are:

• January 19, 24, 25, and 26
• February 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, and 28
• March 1 and 2

Governor-Elect Corbett’s first budget is due to be presented to the General Assembly no later than the first full week in March. Subsequent budgets are due no later than the first full week of February.

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

###

Senate Session

Last week, the Senate ended the 2009 – 2010 Legislative Session with no plans to reconvene after Election Day for a “Lame Duck” session (the 28 days between November 2 and 30). The Senate also did not hold a Lame Duck Session in 2008.

The Senate will meet for a ceremonial session on Wednesday, November 17, at 1 p.m., to say farewell to departing members, sign legislation received from the House (i.e., bills previously approved by the Senate and not amended in the House), and adopt congratulatory and condolence resolutions. No legislation will be considered.

Bills Signed Into Law

The following are among the bills signed into law by the Governor:

Senate Bill 260 (Act 69 of 2010): gives the Attorney General concurrent jurisdiction with county district attorneys to prosecute “sexual abuse of children” offenses;

Senate Bill 699 (Act 70): establishes an Adult Protective Services Program to be administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare;

Senate Bill 1327 (Act 71): increases the fees for river pilot services on the Delaware River and Bay beginning in 2012;

House Bill 105 (Act 61): imposes new penalties for impersonating a police officer in Cities of the Second Class (Pittsburgh);

House Bill 106 (Act 62) and House Bill 107 (Act 63): imposes new penalties for impersonating a police officer and new penalties for wearing a police badge in Cities of the First Class (Philadelphia);

House Bill 181 (Act 64): further defines the powers and duties of Game Commission enforcement officers in regard to stops, searches, inspections, and demands for identification;

House Bill 1281 (Act 65): creates the “Privately Operated Community Corrections Facility Act;”

House Bill 1376 (Act 66): requires examinations of continuing care providers;

House Bill 1671 (Act 67): increases the membership of county records committees; and

House Bill 1774 (Act 68): separates marketing and administration of service contracts from insurance.

Bills Sent to Governor

The following are bills sent to the Governor. All bills passed unanimously, unless otherwise indicated.

Senate Bill 53: updates to the Probate, Estates and Fiduciaries Code and changes to the Corporations Code;

Senate Bill 168: gives boroughs the authority to take part in power supply and electric generation projects;

House Bill 196: limits the retail sale of certain over-the-counter cold medicines that can be used to illegally manufacturer methamphetamine;

Senate Bill 298: eliminates inconsistent interpretations of the Clean and Green law while providing exemptions from roll-back taxes;

Senate Bill 411: changes to teachers’ certificates and where certain students are allowed to attend other high schools;

Senate Bill 900: gives municipalities additional tools to prevent and remediate blighted and abandoned properties;

Senate Bill 910: makes civil service requirements for firefighters and police in boroughs consistent with federal and state anti-discrimination;

Senate Bill 912: makes civil service requirements for firefighters in incorporated towns consistent with federal and state anti-discrimination law;

Senate Bill 918: reenacts the General County Assessment Law;

Senate Bill 922: changes the Trauma Stabilization Act to add out-of-state trauma centers;

Senate Bill 1161: allows inmates with short minimum sentences to be moved to community corrections centers for community-based treatment;

Senate Bill 1169: requires defendants to pay court costs after sentencing (passed 44 – 5);

Senate Bill 1429: provides for municipal consolidations and mergers;

House Bill 1196: provides a one year moratorium on the requirement that all new homes have sprinkler systems installed (passed 37 – 12);

House Bill 1609: amends the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning code to provide for “traditional neighborhood planning developments;”

House Bill 2172: increases the jurisdictional limits of the Pennsylvania Municipal Court and magisterial district judges and changes the number of judges in Chester County;

House Bill 2258: encourages the joint placement of siblings and/or visitation;

House Bill 2273: provides for a $150 application fee for license renewals for the Cervidae Livestock Operation Account (passed 48 – 1);

House Bill 2338: enacts the Children in Foster Care Act;

House Bill 2497: efforts to address Pennsylvania’s pension problems (passed 41 – 8, I was unable to support this measure); and

House Bill 2521: enacts the Anatomic Pathology Service Disclosure Act.

Bills Sent to House

The following bills were sent to the House for further consideration. All bills passed unanimously, unless otherwise indicated.

Senate Bill 428: increases from 10 years to 15 years convicted sex offenders need to register with the State Police;

Senate Bill 873: requires counsel be provided to children at every state of judicial proceedings (passed 48 – 1, Senator Earll lone no vote);

Senate Bill 1379: establishes a recycling program for old textbooks;

Senate Bill 1409: amends the Workforce Development Act to provide for industry partnerships (passed 40 – 9);

Senate Bill 1481: requires disclosure and notice of private transfer fee obligations;

Senate Bill 1490: makes changes in the Delaware River Port Authority (passed 47 – 2);

House Bill 60: establishes the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Program (passed 47 – 2, Senator Eichelberger and I were no votes);

House Bill 174: makes changes to the Public Eating and Drinking Place Law; (passed 39 – 10, I was unable to support this measure);

House Bill 664: changes the definition of “employee” under the Workers’ Compensation law and permits sole proprietors to receive Workers’ Compensation benefits (passed 27 – 22);

House Bill 708: establishes a statewide electronic waste recycling program (passed 48 – 1, Senator Orie was a no vote);

House Bill 1231: establishes a presumption of cancer for certain firefighters under Pennsylvania’s Occupational Disease Law (passed 45 – 4);

House Bill 1394: authorizes leasing of preferential assessment lands for wind power generation;

House Bill 1482: requires healthcare workers to wear photo identification tags while working;

House Bill 1639: makes child custody changes;

House Bill 1926: changes the registration requirements of sex offenders and establishes a Pennsylvania Castle Doctrine (passed 45 – 4, Senators Earll, Hughes, Kitchen, and Tartaglione were no votes);

House Bill 2139: enacts the Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus System Act;

House Bill 2321: applies the E-911 surcharges to prepaid wireless phones (passed 44 – 5);

House Bill 2477: changes for the Erie Convention Center, abolishes jury commissioners, and exempts certain coroner records from the Open Records Law (passed 41 – 8); and

House Bill 2547: makes exceptions to licensing requirements under the Mortgage Licensing Act.

Time Runs Out for PHIX Bill

House Bill 2106, the establishment of a Pennsylvania Health Information Exchange (PHIX) finally reached the Senate Communications & Technology Committee, after passing the House 146 – 44. However, there was insufficient time in the 2009 – 2010 legislative session for it to be considered further.

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

###

Bills Sent to Governor

The following are among the bills sent to the Governor for further consideration:

Senate Bill 260: gives the Attorney General concurrent jurisdiction with county district attorneys to prosecute “sexual abuse of children” offenses

Senate Bill 699: establishes an Adult Protective Services Program to be administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare

Senate Bill 1327: increases the fees for river pilot services on the Delaware River and Bay beginning in 2012

House Bill 105: imposes new penalties for impersonating a police officer in Cities of the Second Class (Pittsburgh)

House Bill 106: imposes new penalties for impersonating a police officer in Cities of the First Class (Philadelphia)

House Bill 107: imposes new penalties for wearing a police badge in Cities of the First Class (Philadelphia)

House Bill 181: further defines the powers and duties of Game Commission enforcement officers in regard to stops, searches, inspections, and demands for identification

House Bill 1376: requires examinations of continuing care providers

House Bill 1671: increases the membership of county records committees

House Bill 1774: separates marketing and administration of service contracts from insurance

House Bill 1281: creates the “Privately Operated Community Corrections Facility Act”

Governor Questions RealID Bill

The Governor sent the attached letter on my Senate Bill 621, which unanimously passed the full Senate in June, seeking to exempt Pennsylvania from the mandates of the federal RealID Act.

Senate Questions Marcellus Shale Legislation

Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati has requested the Legislative Reference Bureau to issue an advisory opinion regarding the likely constitutionality of Senate Bill 1155, which unanimously passed the Senate, as a proposal to create the “County Officer and Employee Fiscal Security Act” to provide for bonding or insurance of elected and appointed county officers and officials who handle money or property. However, SB 1155 was amended in the House to include a severance tax on Marcellus Shale. Article III, Section 1 of the Pennsylvania Constitution stipulates: “No law shall be passed except by bill, and no bill shall be so altered or amended, on its passage through either House, as to change its original purpose.” Article III, Section 3 states: No bill shall be passed containing more than one subject, which shall be clearly expressed in its title, except a general appropriation bill or a bill codifying or compiling the law or a part thereof.”

Also attached is the Governor’s letter to Senators Scarnati and Pileggi.

Senate Session

The Senate plans to finish the 2009 – 2010 legislative Session with three scheduled Session Days: October 12, 13, and 14. The Senate announced, prior to the summer recess, it would not convene for a regular “Lame Duck” Session for 2010. The 28 days between November 2 and November 30 are known as the “Lame Duck” Session because some members of the General Assembly can vote on legislation – despite the fact their successors have already been elected. The Senate did not hold a Lame Duck Session in 2008.

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

###

Citizens Alliance of Pennsylvania PAC (CAP PAC) today endorsed state Senator Mike “Citizen Mike” Folmer’s re-election bid as well as seven candidates for the state House of Representatives: Eli Evankovich (Dist. 54), Rick Saccone (Dist. 39), Joe Emrick (Dist. 137), Richard Yeager (Dist. 50), Rob Ferguson (Dist. 58), Todd Stephens (Dist. 151), and Dan Truitt (Dist. 156). “The battle this election year is not between Democrats and Republicans but them and us—career politicians who’ve crushed our standard of living vs. we the people, who want Harrisburg to grow the economy rather than government, and live within a budget the way we have to,” said CAP PAC executive director Joe Sterns.

“In Eli Evankovich, Rick Saccone, Joe Emrick, Richard Yeager, Rob Ferguson, Todd Stephens and Dan Truitt we have an outstanding class of candidates with real world experience and unimpeachable integrity who are eager to cut wasteful spending and taxes and reform the way Harrisburg does business.”
Senator Folmer, Eli Evankovich, Rick Saccone, Joe Emrick, Richard Yeager, Rob Ferguson, Todd Stephens and Dan Truitt bring to 10 the number of candidates for the General Assembly that CAP PAC has endorsed in 2010. They join state House candidates Justin Simmons (District 131) and Stephen Bloom (District 199).

CAP PAC is a non-partisan organization dedicated to raising the standard of living of all Pennsylvanians by restoring the Constitutional principles of limited government, economic freedom, and personal responsibility. By empowering the Commonwealth’s employers and taxpayers to break Harrisburg’s Iron Triangle of career politicians, bureaucrats, and Big Government lobbyists, this restoration will occur and Pennsylvania will prosper.

Bills Sent to Governor for Action

The Senate unanimously approved a number of measures and sent them to the Governor for consideration, including:

House Bill 105: imposes new penalties for impersonating a police officer in Cities of the Second Class (Pittsburgh)

House Bill 106: imposes new penalties for impersonating a police officer in Cities of the First Class (Philadelphia)

House Bill 107: imposes new penalties for wearing a police badge in Cities of the First Class (Philadelphia)

House Bill 181: clarifies powers and duties of Game Commission officers during stops, searches, inspections, and demands for identification

House Bill 1376: requires examinations of continuing care providers

The Senate also confirmed Basil Merenda as Secretary of the Commonwealth, replacing Pedro Cortez.

Senate Sends Bills to House

The following are among the bills the full Senate sent to the House of Representatives for consideration:

Senate Bill 162: provides for veteran-owned business participation in procurement contracts (passed 43 – 4: Senators Earll, Smucker, Vance, and MJ White)

Senate Bill 384: my bill to give police at military installations (like Fort Indiantown Gap) the same powers as municipal police (passed 47 – 1: Senator Ferlo)

Senate Bill 890: mandated school reporting on athletic opportunities of male and female students (passed unanimously)

Senate Bill 906: my ag biosecurity measure to establish penalties for trespassing in designated bio-secure areas (passed 32 – 16); a companion bill (HB 511) is also on the Senate Calendar for consideration

Senate Bill 976: expands the Amber Alert System Law to include a Missing Endangered Person Advisory System (passed unanimously)

Senate Bill 1280: continues the MCARE Fund for another seven years (passed 38 – 9)

Senate Bill 1429: amends the Municipal Code relating to mergers and consolidations (passed unanimously)

Senate Bill 1469: various changes in the Right to Know Law (passed unanimously)

House Bill 47: creates the “Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Education and Prevention Program Act” (passed 32 – 15; I was not able to support this measure)

House Bill 101: various changes to the School Code (passed unanimously)

House Bill 400: defines “employee” and “independent contractor” (passed 34 – 13; I was not able to support this measure)

House Bill 727: further provides for trademark counterfeiting (passed unanimously)

House Bill 1515: brings civil service requirements for firefighters and police in Townships of the First Class into compliance with federal and state anti-discrimination laws (passed unanimously)

House Bill 1516: conforms state law to federal law relative to firefighter civil service (passed unanimously)

House Bill 1517: conforms state law to federal and state anti-discrimination law for police in Cities of the Third Class (passed unanimously)

House Bill 1518: conforms state law to federal and state anti-discrimination laws for police in incorporated towns (passed unanimously)

House Bill 1671: increases the membership of county records committees (passed unanimously)

House Bill 1774: separates marketing and administration of service contracts from insurance (passed unanimously)

House Bill 1990: provides for necessary expenses for annual meetings of directors of veterans’ affairs (passed unanimously)

House Bill 2172: increases the jurisdictional limits of the Philadelphia Municipal Court and magisterial district judges and change the number of judges in Chester County (passed unanimously)

House Bill 1281: creates the “Privately Operated Community Corrections Facility Act” (passed unanimously)

House Bill 2212: renames the “Manufactured Home Community Rights Act” (from the “Mobile Home Park Rights Act”) with various other changes (passed 46 – 1: Senator Earll)

House Bill 2246: Vehicle Code changes – MINUS a previously approved amendment to argue damages prior to jury deliberations (passed 44 – 3: Senators Earll Smucker, and MJ White – despite REMOVAL of the arguing damages amendment prior to final passage)

House Bill 2291: the 2010 – 2011 Capital Budget (passed 41– 6: myself and Senators Mensch, Orie, Vance, Vogel, and Ward)

House Bill 2375: provide indemnity agreements for motor carrier transportation contracts (passed unanimously)

Senate Session

The Senate recessed until after the Columbus Day Holiday (Monday, October 11). These are the last scheduled Session Days for the 2009 – 2010 legislative Session: October 12, 13, and 14.

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

###

Update on Reform Initiatives

As the full Senate prepares to return to voting Session, here is an update on some of my reform initiatives:

• Senate Bill 7 (“Taxpayer Protection Act”): Limits state spending to rate of inflation/population growth – Senate Finance Committee
• Senate Bill 104 (accountability for use of state vehicles): Requires the listing of all state-owned vehicles online – unanimously passed full Senate; in House State Government Committee
• Senate Bill 109 (“Taxpayer Funded Advertising Transparency Act”): Requires “Paid for with Pennsylvania Taxpayer Dollars” on all Commonwealth advertising – unanimously passed full Senate; in House State Government Committee
• Senate Bill 252 (“Voters’ Choice Act”): Reduces ballot barriers for independent and third party candidates – Senate State Government Committee
• Senate Bill 340 (Citizens’ Constitutional Convention): Allows people (non-legislators and non-lobbyists) to develop proposed changes (except Article I) to Pennsylvania’s Constitution for consideration by the electorate – Senate State Government Committee
• Senate Bill 394 (“Tax Me More Fund”): Allows those who believe state government does not spend or tax enough to make voluntary contributions to their favorite program(s)
• Senate Resolution 51 (State Sovereignty): Calls upon Congress to abide by the 10th Amendment to the United States Constitution – reported from Senate State Government Committee; tabled
  Other Initiatives

Here is the status of some of my other legislative initiatives:

• Senate Bill 211 (Small Games of Chance): Increases the weekly limits for Small Games of Chance from $5,000 – reported from Senate Finance Committee; tabled
• Senate Bill 382 (Statewide Public Cord Blood Banking Act): Provides for the collection and banking of placental and umbilical cord blood for therapeutic transplantation and research – Senate Public Health & Welfare Committee
• Senate Bill 384 (police powers at military installations): Gives police at military installations (like Fort Indiantown Gap) the same powers as municipal police – unanimously reported from Senate Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committee; re-referred to Senate Appropriations Committee
• Senate Bills 501, 502, 503, 504, 505, 506, 507, 508, 509, 510, 511 (“Healthy Pennsylvania”): Consumer-driven/market-driven initiatives to reduce health care costs while enhancing the quality and access to care – Senate Bill 507 (High Risk Pool) passed Senate 49 – 1; referred to House Insurance Committee
• Senate Bill 621 (RealID): Exempts Pennsylvania from the costly and intrusive mandates of the federal Real ID Act – unanimously passed full Senate; unanimously reported from House Transportation Committee; tabled in House
• Senate Bill 784 (Energy Efficiency in State Government Buildings Act): Makes the Commonwealth lead by example in adopting, implementing, and promoting energy efficiency and alternative fuels – Senate State Government Committee
• Senate Bill 906 (Ag biosecurity): Establishes penalties for bioterrorism – unanimously reported from Senate Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee; tabled
• Senate Bill 1312: Exempts Pennsylvanians from federal health care law mandates – Senate Banking & Insurance Committee
• Senate Resolution 133: Provides guidelines for state expenditures of federal stimulus moneys for broadband – unanimously passed full Senate
  Senate Committees

Here is a listing of scheduled Senate Committees meetings, including the September 22 meeting of the Senate Communications & Technology Committee, which I chair.

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

###