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 14, 2010

Happy National Flag Day!
Today marks the 233rd anniversary of the American Flag.  On June 14, 1777, Congress passed a resolution saying:  "Resolved:  that the flag of the United States be made of thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new Constellation."  Flag Day, the anniversary of the 1777 Flag Resolution, was officially established by proclamation of President Woodrow Wilson on May 30, 1916.  On August 3, 1949, President Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14 of each year as National Flag Day.

Governor Signs Bills into Law
The Governor signed a number of measures into law, including:

• Senate Bill 383, Act 30 of 2010 – provides for the establishment of problem solving courts and
• Senate Bill 828, Act 31 – the "Pie Bill," which exempts home-baked goods for nonprofit organizations from Department of Agriculture enforcement.

Senate Sends Bills to House
The full Senate passed a number of bills and sent them to the House for further consideration. All bills passed unanimously, unless otherwise indicated.

• Senate Bill 1145 – new sentencing guidelines for those convicted of crimes;
• Senate Bill 1161 – new probation, parole, and pre-release measures (passed
• 26 – 21);
• Senate Bill 1275 – penalties for parole violations (passed 45 – 2, Senators Robbins and Vogel were no votes); and
• House Bill 48 – Liquor Code changes (passed 41 – 6).  I was a “no” vote on the bill.

The Senate also unanimously approved House Bill 1641 to require circulating nurses in operating rooms. The bill is now before the Governor.

State Revenues Continue to Fall Behind Projections
Senate Republicans remain committed to passing a fiscally responsible state budget before the June 30 deadline. However, like last year, and years past, the Governor continues to call for higher spending and higher taxes. The Governor also insists on more spending, despite underperforming revenues. These are two major factors which could cause another lengthy budget impasse.

Last month revenues were approximately $125 million short of projections, pushing the year-end deficit to $1.23 billion.  This makes the budget passed by the House considerably out-of-balance.  Any budget over $27.5 billion would result in the need for a tax increase (expenditures would exceed available resources).  I continue to believe and advocate for the state to live within its means.  As a result, spending no more than $27.5 billion is vital for me.

Committee News 

Appropriations - amended and unanimously reported out my Senate Bill 104, accountability in the use of state-owned vehicles, and my Senate Bill 621, exempting Pennsylvania from the mandates of the federal Real ID law.

Education - reported out Senate Resolution 343 (studying modernization of the Library Code); Senate Bill 553 (requiring a two-thirds majority of school directors for millage increases); and Senate Bill 250 (extending the mandate waiver program).   

I offered an amendment to SB 250 to give school districts the option of economic furloughs to control costs, especially as they face the impending pension crisis). I withdrew the amendment because of concerns it would threaten the extension of the mandate waiver program.

The Committee also discussed Senate Bill 1321 calling for consolidation of school districts at the county level.  However, no actions were taken on this proposal. 

Communications and Technology - amended and reported out House Bill 1175, which would prohibit the involuntary implantation of identification devices into individuals over age 18.

The committee will hold a public hearing Thursday, June 17, at 10 a.m. on the Keystone Initiative for Network Based Education & Research (KINBER). The meeting will take place in room 8 E-B of the main Capitol.

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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