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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 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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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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