Mike's Memo

Senate Returns to Session

The Senate returns to Session this week for three scheduled days of voting and there is a possibility that a number of outstanding issues could be considered by the full Senate, including energy, healthcare, and proposed amendments to the state’s Dog Law.  Given the furor over previous "Lame Duck" sessions, the Senate is not planning to return to Session after the November 4 General Election, and any bill not acted upon by November 30, (last day of the current legislative session) will automatically 'die' and need to be reintroduced again (with new bill numbers) next session.

Dog Law Amendments

With all the major issues facing the General Assembly, it's interesting to me that one of the top priorities – at the Governor's urging – are finalizing amendments to Pennsylvania's Dog Law (House Bill 2525).  While I agree with the goal of protecting dogs, I am troubled by provisions in the House passed version of the bill. Some of my concerns include:

• Requirement to post bonds in order to exercise rights of appeal (I'm unaware of any other laws that requires individuals to post bonds before an appeal can be filed);
• Unprecedented power to the Department of Agriculture to obtain search warrants (in some instances, this would give state employees more power than police officers); and
• Punishment for individuals who refuse to give dog officers entry to their properties (I'm unaware of any other laws where "refusal of entry" is a violation).

Equally troubling about this bill are some of the methods used to pass the initiative.  A number of Senate offices received e-mails with a return address of "pahouse.net," a domain linked to the House Democratic Caucus; if tax dollars were used to finance these messages, I question the objectivity and motives.

This situation reminds me of arguments about the need for the federal Patriot Act…sacrificing a little liberty is necessary for better safety.  To these advocates, I quote the words of Benjamin Franklin, "those who give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."

State Government Committee Holds Briefing on New Open Records Law

The Senate State Government Committee on Monday heard from Terry Mutchler, Executive Director of the state's new Office of Open Records.  The purpose of the briefing was to get an update on the progress of the new Open Records Law.

On a side note, Ms. Mutchler will be at the November Lebanon County Municipal Manager's meeting to discuss the law and answer questions.

For more information about the Open Records Law and the Office of Open Records, visit http://openrecords.state.pa.us.

Appropriations Committee to Assess State Revenues

The Senate Appropriations Committee also met on Monday to discuss the growing concerns of the Commonwealth’s deteriorating financial situation.