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 May 3, 2010

Governor Signs Bills
Governor Rendell signed two bills to complete a three-bill package targeting the continuing problem of illegal production of methamphetamine in Pennsylvania. 

House Bill 485 amends the Crimes Code to provide penalties for operating a methamphetamine lab and the illegal dumping of methamphetamine waste. It is a companion bill to Act 8 of 2010, which amended the Controlled Substances Act. 

Senate Bill 126 amends the Controlled Substances Act to require defendants convicted of operating illegal labs to pay for the environmental clean-up costs associated with the lab. Both House Bill 485 and Senate Bill 126 also add additional precursor substances to the list of those already used to manufacture methamphetamine. 

The Governor also signed House Bill 602, which amends the Dental Law to expand the functions dental assistants can perform.

Committee News

Education
Tuesday, May 4, 10 a.m. Hearing Room 1 - meeting on Senate Bill 1314, Charter School bill, and Common Core and Health and Nutrition regulations.

Labor and Industry
Tuesday, May 4, 10:30 a.m., 461 Main Capitol Building - consideration of Senate Bill 1205, "work sharing." Work sharing allows employees whose hours are reduced to receive unemployment compensation benefits.

Communications and Technology
Wednesday, May 5, 10 a.m. Room 8 E-B - consideration of House Bill 1175, legislation to prohibit the requiring or coercing an individual to undergo the implanting of a microchip.

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. You may also want to visit "News for Constituents", a comprehensive look into various issues affecting Pennsylvanians across the Commonwealth.

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.