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Welcome to "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 June 1, 2010
Bills Sent to Governor
Last week the legislature sent a number of bills to the Governor for action,
including:
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Senate Bill 383 - provides for the establishment of problem solving
courts;
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Senate Bill 828 - the "Pie Bill," which exempts home-baked goods for
nonprofit organizations from Department of Agriculture enforcement;
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House Bill 1041 - authorizes pharmacists to perform drug therapy
management; and
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House Bill 1720 - adds a new offense of "organized retail theft"
(multiple people working together to steal large quantities of goods from
retail stores for resale)
Senate Sends Bills to House
The full Senate sent a number of measures to the House for consideration.
All bills passed the Senate unanimously, unless otherwise indicated.
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Senate Bill 214 - outlaws simulcasts of greyhound racing (racing is
already illegal);
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Senate Bill 441 - provides for resident teacher certifications and
disqualification of teaching certifications;
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Senate Bill 620 - provides for certificates of births resulting in
stillbirths;
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Senate Bill 918 - consolidates county assessment laws;
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Senate Bill 1026 - establishes an antlerless deer license exemption for
youths in a mentor hunting program;
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Senate Bill 1176 - authorizes the Environmental Quality Board (EQB) to
adjust filing fees for mining permits;
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Senate Bills 1196 and
1197: authorizes the EQB to adjust application
fees under the Bituminous Mine Subsidence and Land Conservation Act and the
Coal Refuse Disposal Control Act, respectively.
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House Bill 67 - imposes cell phone restrictions on teen drivers (passed
44 – 3). I was a "no" vote on final passage of the bill, but did support
an
amendment to make texting and cell phone use while driving a secondary
offense. The amendment passed the full Senate
33 – 14.
The Senate also adopted
Senate Resolution 250 calling for a study of
consolidating property tax collection systems.
Empowerment Act Extended
The Senate also passed – by a vote of
46 – 1 –
Senate Bill 1011, legislation to extend the state's Educational
Empowerment Act. I was the only "no" vote on the bill. In addition to extending
the Empowerment Act, the bill also permits the Secretary of Education to issue
one-time residency certificates in areas with teacher shortages. An
amendment
calling for school district consolidation was proposed, but failed
17 – 30. I am interested in pursuing school consolidations, but did not
support this particular amendment.
Legislative Reforms Recommended
The Grand Jury investigating the "Bonusgate" scandal recently issued a
report containing a number of recommendations to reform the General Assembly
and how it does business. I am pleased to say my
"Promise to Pennsylvania" includes many of the recommended initiatives and I
will continue to pursue them.
Committee News
Action from committee meetings the week of May 24 and upcoming meeting
dates:
Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness - reported out my
Senate
Bill 384 (police powers at military installations) and amended and reported out
House Bill 1789 (prepaid wireless for 911 services).
Local Government - reported out
Senate Bills 1366 (Third Class City
Code amendments),
1367 (Borough Code),
1368 (incorporated towns), and
1369
(First Class Township Code) and
House Bills 1287 (amendments for incorporated
towns), 1288, (Borough Code), and
1289 (First Class Township Code);
Senate Policy and Finance – 9 a.m., Tuesday, June 8, Senate Majority
Caucus Room: public hearing on proposals to expand the Sales and Use Tax.
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.
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.
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Offices
170 Main Capitol
Harrisburg, PA 17120
Phone: 717-787-5708
Fax: 717-787-3455
TTY: 800-364-1581
101 Municipal Building
400 South 8th Street
Lebanon, PA 17042
Phone: 717-274-6735
Fax: 717-274-7702
Toll Free: 1-877-222-1897 509 W. Penn Avenue
Suite 10
Robesonia, PA 19551
Phone: 610-693-3200
Fax: 610-693-3212 Email:
mfolmer@pasen.gov
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