Mike's Memo

Constitutional Convention Bills Advance

Last week, three separate bills calling for a state constitutional convention were reported from the Senate State Government Committee. Included in the package was my Senate Bill 1290 which would allow debate on all Articles of the current Constitution except Article I, the Declaration of Rights. Similar bills reported out of committee include:

• Senate Bill 291 (Ferlo):  Would limit discussion to Article II (The Legislature), Article III (Legislation), and Article V (Judiciary) of the current Constitution; and
• Senate Bill 1236 (Piccola):  Would limit discussion to Articles II, III, IV (The Executive), and Article V.

All three bills are expected to be sent to the Senate Appropriations Committee this week.  Learn more on my proposed Constitutional Convention.

Advertising Transparency Bill Reported to Full House

The House State Government Committee amended and reported out my Taxpayer-Funded Advertising Transparency Act (Senate Bill 1015); the bill now will be voted by the full House. The Taxpayer-Funded Advertising Transparency Act is designed to inform taxpayers that their money is being spent on advertising by the various branches of government, including the Governor, Attorney General, State Treasurer, and other state agencies, offices, boards, and commissions. If passed, Senate Bill 1015 would require all advertisements to include the phrase “Paid for with Pennsylvania tax dollars.”  Click Here to see how members of the House State Government Committee voted on this proposal and the amendment.

Military Child Custody Bill Readied for House Vote

The House Judiciary Committee is scheduled to consider my Senate Bill 1107 during their meeting on Tuesday, September 23. The meeting will take place at 10 a.m. in Room 205 of the Ryan Office Building.  

Senate Bill 1107 would freeze child custody arrangements for service people who are deployed overseas until they return from their military duty.  I am hopeful this measure can be enacted into law prior to November 30, the end of the 2007 – 2008 Legislative Session.

Legislative Initiatives Assigned Bill Numbers

Two of my recent legislative initiatives were formally introduced and assigned bill numbers.  While it is unlikely that either one will move in the remaining days of this Session, I plan to introduce them again in the 2009 – 2010 Session. The initiatives include Senate Bill 1556, which would add fax numbers to the state’s Do Not Call List; and Senate Bill 1578, the Voters’ Choice Act, which would make it easier for minor party candidates and independents to get on election ballots.

Lebanon Area Town Hall Meeting Scheduled

7 p.m., Thursday, October 2, Ono Fire Hall, 10805 Jonestown Road. Learn more.