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 July 26, 2010 

Senate Session Schedule
The schedule for the Fall Senate Session has been set:

• Monday, September 20
• Tuesday, September 21
• Wednesday, September 22
• Monday, September 27
• Tuesday, September 28
• Wednesday, September 29
• Thursday, September 30
• Tuesday, October 12
• Wednesday, October 13
• Thursday, October 14

Please note the Senate has not scheduled a "Lame Duck Session" (after the November 2 General Election through November 30, the constitutionally mandated end of all two-year sessions).  Pennsylvania is one of a handful of states with such sessions, which allow departing members of the General Assembly to vote even though their successors have already been elected (but not sworn in).  The Senate will meet, however, for a ceremonial Session on November 18 to say farewell to departing members, sign any previously Senate-approved legislation also approved by the House (but not amended in any way), and adopting congratulatory and condolence resolutions. 

Governor Calls for Special Session – Again (Yet?)
The Governor continues to push the General Assembly to take action on the Commonwealth's many transportation infrastructure problems.  However, unlike his previous calls, he is now making some specific funding recommendations, including:

• Increasing the Gas Tax by 3.25-cents per gallon (which is estimated to raise about $130 Million in additional revenues)
• Raising driver's license fees (about $4.9 Million in additional revenues); this fee was last raised in 2003
• Hiking car registration fees by 33 percent ($9):  from $36 to $45 (about $70.5 Million more); these fees were last increased in 1997
• Increasing truck registration fees by about 25 percent ($83 Million more); these fees were last increased in 1997
• Increasing vehicle title fees at purchase by about 25 percent – $5.63 (about $17 Million); these fees were last raised in 1997
• More than doubling the cost of inspection stickers from $2 to $4.06 ($21 Million); this fee was last increased in 1982
• More than doubling the fee for providing driver information to individuals, businesses and insurers:  from $5 to $11.20 ($68 Million)
• Installing "electronic surveillance" cameras to help locate and fine uninsured and/or reckless drivers ($100 – $150 Million) 

The Governor discussed his proposals in an appearance before the Senate Transportation Committee. Hearing Part 1 Part 2

Continuing Questions on Proposed Network
In June, the Senate Communications & Technology Committee, which I chair, held a public hearing on the Pennsylvania Research & Education Network (PennREN), which is receiving $99.7 Million in federal stimulus moneys and will be administered by the Keystone Initiative for Education & Research (KINBER).  Since that hearing, additional questions have arisen, resulting in my sending a follow up letter to gather additional information.  More hearings of the Committee are planned to further probe these issues in the expenditure of such a large amount of taxpayer moneys.

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 listed below.

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