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 August 25, 2008

Hearing on Military Child Custody Bill

The House Judiciary Committee will hold a public hearing on my Senate Bill 1107, which would provide military personnel who are deployed overseas with protections relating to child custody proceedings.  The hearing will take place today, August 25, at 1 p.m., in the Majority Caucus Room (140) of the Main Capitol.  

I hope the Committee will see fit to report this bill to the full House for consideration.

Hearing on “Healthy Pennsylvania” Bills

The Senate Finance Committee will also hold a public hearing on two pieces of my "Healthy Pennsylvania" health care package:

• Senate Bill 1182, which would promote Health Savings Accounts by providing tax credits for small businesses with HSAs; and
• Senate Bill 1189, which would extend tax deductions and tax credits to people and self-employed taxpayers who pay for their own health care.

The Finance Committee hearing will be held Wednesday, August 27, at 10 a.m. at the Lebanon County Conservation District.

Sportsmen and Agriculture Meetings Set

My Sportsmen’s Advisory Committee and my Agriculture Advisory Committee will be meeting:

• Sportsmen’s:  Monday, August 25, 7 p.m., (today) at the Lebanon Valley Sportsmen's Association, 841 Sportsmen Road, Robesonia.  Discussion topics will include: Deer herd management and LB&FC study; a proposal to increase hunting license fees (Senate Bill 1527); Game Commission appointments and powers (House Bill 747); pigeon shoots (Senate Bill 1150 and House Bill 1543); and cross bow permits (House Bill 2653)
• Agriculture:  Tuesday, August 26, 7:30 a.m., in the auditorium of the Berks County Ag Center building, 1238 County Welfare Road, Leesport. Discussion topics include the Governor’s Energy Initiative and its impact on Ag; raw milk update; and dog Law update.

E-mail Joe Sterns if you are interested in attending either meeting.

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.