Mike's Memo

Welcome to a new year of "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 January 7, 2008

Foster Care Rights Bill Signed into Law

In mid-December Governor Rendell signed my Senate Bill 1156 into law as Act 76 of 2007.  The law, which took effect January 1, 2008, gives foster parents the right to be heard at court hearings regarding the future of children under their care. The measure also provides that a court must find out the views of a foster child regarding placement, in a manner appropriate to the child's age and maturity. The legislation brings Pennsylvania into compliance with the federal Child and Family Services Improvement Act prior to the deadline of January 1, 2008, saving the state $3 million. 

REAL ID Assigned to Committee

My Senate Bill 1220, which would exempt Pennsylvania from complying with the provisions of the federal ID Act, has been assigned to the Senate Communications and Technology Committee.

2008-2009 Budget Target

If my Senate Bill 707, the "Taxpayer Protection Act" were law today, spending for the 2008-2009 state budget would be limited to a maximum of 3.29 percent (approximately $888 million in new spending).  The Taxpayer Protection Act limits spending to a combination of inflation, population growth, and personal income growth.  Given the fact that revenue growth for the first half of the 2007-2008 Fiscal Year showed that tax collections were $176 million (1.5 percent) over estimates, I think it is safe to say that Pennsylvania's taxpayers continue to be generous in supporting the operations of state government.  December's taxes and fees were $40 million over estimates for the month. The Governor is set to outline his 2008-2009 budget priorities early next month.

Digital TV Changes

By federal law, television stations nationwide must switch from the old method of transmitting TV signals – known as "analog to digital television" (DTV) – on February 17, 2009. Millions of households will risk losing television reception unless they take steps to receive a digital signal. For more information on this topic visit DTVanswers.com.

For more information on these issues, and information on other legislative and state topics, visit the Pennsylvania General Assembly website at www.legis.state.pa.us.  If you are unable to open the bill links, please feel free to go directly to the Pennsylvania General Assembly website.

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.