Mike Folmer - Citizen for State Senate

"No taxation without representation" was a key principle of the American Revolution. How far have we come since that time?

In 1765, Americans opposed the quartering of troops in their homes. In 2010, Americans are subject to the REAL ID Act, which seeks to create a national identification card and database (including biometric photos of people’s faces). Some would like to add RFID (radio frequency identification) chips to these ID cards so that personal information could be in one place and readily available and easily transmitted to others.

In 1767, Americans opposed taxes on stamps, lead, paint, paper, glass, and tea. In 2010, Americans pay taxes on amusements, capital gains, cigarettes, corporations, earned income, services, estates, gas, liquor, sales, per capita, personal income, personal property, property, realty transfers, Social Security, telephone calls, utilities, and unemployment.

In 1773, Americans questioned special licenses, such as the one giving the English East India Company a monopoly on the importation of tea. In 2010, Pennsylvania taxpayers are helping to foot the bill for the special Arlen Specter library and the Jack Murtha facility. In addition, Americans pay a host of license fees, including: building permits, dog licenses, fishing licenses, hunting licenses, marriage licenses, and vehicle and boat registration fees. You need either a license or a permit to do home repairs, open and operate a business, or do business in certain professions.

In 1774, Americans opposed the "Intolerable Acts", which extended royal control over the colonies and their citizens. In 2010, Americans face a myriad of government regulations, such as zoning, state and local building codes, restrictions on the amount of water in toilets, and environmental requirements on gas and cars. In addition, Americans pay a variety of fines and other fees, including: parking meter fees, speeding tickets, traffic fines, and government late fees/penalties. The new federal health care law mandates people buy insurance and imposes additional penalties for failure to do so.

In 1776, Americans declared independence, saying: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." In 2010, Americans may need to ask themselves if we have these inalienable rights.

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.

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.

2010 – 2011 State Budget (continued)

Senate Republican leaders recently sent recommendations to the Governor on plans to close the remaining gap in Pennsylvania’s 2010 – 2011 state budget. Senators Scarnati, Pileggi, and Corman would like more attention devoted to Pennsylvania’s impending pension crises. I share this concern, which is why I have scheduled a briefing on this important issue for my Business and Local Government Advisory Committees: 7:30 a.m., Thursday, September 2 in the Met Ed Auditorium, 600 S. 5th Avenue, Lebanon. This important briefing is being sponsored by the Lebanon Valley Chamber of Commerce and the featured speakers will be Senator Pat Browne, Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee and Rick Dreyfuss, Senior Fellow, Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives.

No issue threatens the financial health of our Commonwealth more than the unfunded liability of Pennsylvania’s pension systems: an estimated $1.45 billion 2010 – 2011, $6 billion 2012 – 2013, and $7.4 billion 2015 – 2016. My goal is to inform key business leaders and local government officials of the magnitude of these problems and provide some of the solutions the General Assembly may need to consider to address these many problems. As seating is limited, please contact Fallon Binner of my staff if you have an interest in attending: fbinner@pasen.gov or (717) 274-6735.

Transportation Caucus Meeting

While the Governor continues to push for legislative action to meet Pennsylvania’s transportation infrastructure needs, he has not offered specifics on how to meet these many problems. For this reason, House Speaker Keith McCall has called for a bipartisan, bicameral Transportation Caucus meeting for today (Monday, August 23): 11:30 a.m., 140 Main Capitol. This meeting will feature a presentation from Allen Biehler, PA Secretary of Transportation, which will include – for the first time – the administration’s specific proposals and recommendations for the Commonwealth’s transportation crisis. I look forward to learning of these specifics.

As previously noted, I have had many questions on the proposed Pennsylvania Research & Education Network (PennREN), which is receiving $99.7 million in federal stimulus moneys and is to be administered by the Keystone Initiative for Education & Research (KINBER). I attempted to obtain some answers to these questions through a June public hearing of the Senate Communications & Technology Committee and I have scheduled a second hearing for: 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 22 (Room 8E-B, East Wing). In the interim, I am pleased Senate Majority Caucus Chairman Mike Waugh is joining with me to secure answers to the questions that have been asked.

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.

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.

Senate Committee Meetings

A number of Senate Committees are meeting, including:

Click here for a complete and up-to-date list of Senate Committee meetings, times, dates, and locations.

Dog Law Regulations

The Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) will also be meeting to review a variety of proposed regulations, including proposed dog law regulations being recommended by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture: 10:00 a.m., Thursday, August 19th (1st Floor Conference Room, 333 Market Street, Harrisburg).

Continuing Questions on Proposed Network

In June, the Senate Communications & Technology Committee, which I chair, held a public hearing on the Pennsylvania Research & Education Network (PennREN), which is receiving $99.7 Million in federal stimulus moneys and is to be administered by the Keystone Initiative for Education & Research (KINBER). As I have continuing questions, I sent a follow up letter to gather additional information. Given the lack of answers in KINBER’s response, I have scheduled another hearing on this initiative: 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 22 (Room 8E-B, East Wing). Further information will follow prior to the hearing.

PA Fair Care Launched

The Pennsylvania Insurance Department recently announced a new program to provide health care for uninsured adults with pre-existing conditions. PA Fair Care will be administered through a contract with Highmark Blue Shield and promised benefits are to include preventive care, physician services, diagnostic testing, hospitalization, mental health services, and prescriptions. Applications may be completed online at www.PAFairCare.com.

As the Rendell Administration chose to launch this new program without legislative authorization (such as my Senate Bill 507 establishing a High Risk Pool), I am concerned applications will far exceed resources (which are coming through the federal stimulus package). As I have said throughout the health care debate, there will never be enough money to fulfill the many promises being made about the new federal health care law. This is demonstrated by the dire actuarial warnings for both Medicare and Social Security, which predict insolvency in the years ahead.

PennDOT Applications

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has begun to implement changes in procedures for paperwork processed through legislative offices. These changes include:

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.

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.

Scott Russo speech with comments and pictures:

George Washington: General Orders, August 23, 1776

The hour is fast approaching, on which the Honor and Success of this army, and the safety of our bleeding Country depend. Remember officers and Soldiers, that you are Freemen, fighting for the blessings of Liberty and that slavery will be your portion, and that of your posterity, if you do not acquit yourselves like men.

If you are like me, and many of you are, you feel like you are slowly topping over that frightening hill on the rollercoaster and sense that heightened feeling that comes before you lurch forward.

Whatever is coming, it is not likely to be boring.

We have come so far in a year. This is the week a year ago that Katy Abram told Arlen about the sleeping giants he awoke. He thought we were going to be a flash in the pan, but here we are…. And he is not.

We are not as emotional as some groups, we don’t protest as often, we do not attract as much media attention, but still waters run deep. We work. We identify road blocks and problems and we set about solving them. We fill political seats and hold the elected accountable. Through hard work we have toppled the untouchable, and our reach grows daily.

That would be ominous if not for the core principles and values we have anchored ourselves to. Most other groups have a cause, but no stated principles. No restrictions to steer the actions. Like ships without rudders, many groups have crashed. We deal with very serious and powerful opponents, this ship had better be built to handle the stress of sea duty or we better stay securely docked. Thus far the sea trials have been a success, and the state of Lebanon 9-12s union is excellent.

William Ellery put it into perspective, Difficulties are meant to rouse, not discourage

it seems like we emerge from each challenge stronger and more determined.

(So Mike is listening along….. His wife and Laurie Jo know what is coming but he does not.)

You know, Katy and I have gotten plenty of pats on the back along the way, but let me talk about what it is to be exceptional.

Please excuse me if I am a little emotional here….. if Glenn can be than I get to be.

You know, I don’t think Patriot is something you declare about yourself, it is a title of honor given to you by others. Often times the patriot is not the one getting the accolades, it is the one who selflessly sacrifices to serve the nation and its people. Often with no thanks or recognition at all.

It is important to stop and say thank you, especially in times like these. No, I am not talking anything whatsoever about the cheap and tawdry thanks we are used to seeing in todays world. Not a scratch your back… I’ll endorse you…. Horse trading typical thanks. I mean turning to a person, an individual, outside of their station in life, job, family name. or any other claim to fame, and honoring them for their personal and individual character.

(Wish I had a picture…. Mike looked puzzled about what I was getting at , now I start to turn the subject to him.)

There are members in this 9-12 group that never get the recognition that they truly deserve, but tonight I am thinking of one in particular, who has been there with us the whole way, regardless of the cost to them. Their attitude in life has been best described by Benjamin Franklin.

The best thing to give your enemy is forgiveness; to an opponent, tolerance; to a friend, your heart; to your child, a good example; to a father, deference; to your mother, conduct that will make her proud of you; to yourself, respect; to all men, charity.

I went to the board and requested that we stop to recognize an honorable citizen. Unanimously it was agreed that we give a first annual award to a deserving person who has exemplified sacrificial citizenship in service to the Constitution, and we the people.

Tonight I am going to ask you to come forward and accept the first Lebanon 9-12 Patriots award, not as our Senator, but as a loyal citizen, Mike Folmer.

Mike’s first reaction was shock, then this moment of humble savoring.

Mike comes to the front.

I read this to him...

The certificate said:

The Lebanon 9-12 Patriot Award recognizes exceptional citizens who have demonstrated a profound and abiding love of country and community and whose inspirational leadership and selfless dedication symbolize our nation’s ideals, values and principles.

Lebanon 9-12 Project
2010 Patriot Award
Michael J. Folmer
For exemplary citizenship and service to the Constitution

It was very emotional, by this time there were tears in many eyes. Our feelings run deep for Mike.

Who's Certifiable?

"He's certifiable!" That's what Governor Rendell said about me in 2006 during my first state budget when I doubted his cost estimates. Four years later, I'm still questioning the Governor about his spending, taxing and borrowing. You just can't tell me $10 million for an Arlen Specter library and/or a Jack Murtha facility makes any sense.

To me, controlling spending is the key to reforming governments, protecting taxpayers, and avoiding higher taxes. Unfortunately, with billion dollar state budgets and trillion dollar federal budgets, tax money is treated like play money: there's little understanding of the costs.
Most people understand what $100 is because they can hold it in their hands and they know what it can buy. However, few really know, understand, or appreciate what $100,000,000 ($100 million) or $100,000,000,000 ($100 billion) is. Yet, such figures are regularly thrown around by state and federal officials.

When Governor Rendell came to office, the state budget was $20,306,542,000. During his eight years, spending has grown by 38 percent ($7,736,595,000): to $28,043,137,000 (don't forget: he proposed spending nearly $1 billion more, $29,029,507,000). Neither Pennsylvania's population nor the cost of living has risen this fast over these past eight years. Government has simply grown faster than the ability of the taxpayers to pay for it.

During my nearly four years in office, I have worked to ensure the Commonwealth is squeezing every penny out of each tax dollar. Among the many expenditures I have questioned are no-bid, sole source contracts, agreements between the Pennsylvania Department of Education and Intermediate Units, and the use of federal stimulus money (I'll never understand why some people think federal money doesn't come from the same place – taxpayers).

While the General Assembly was successful this year in stopping tax increases – so far (we return in September to consider possible natural gas taxes) – we face a structural deficit of approximately $5 Billion next year as federal moneys dry up, the costs of eight years of borrowing come due, and other costs continue to rise (most notably state pension costs).
In the interim, consider how much we are spending under Pennsylvania's new 2010 – 2011 budget of $28,043,137,000: approximately $76 million per day, $3 million an hour, $53,000 a minute, and $889 a second.

Imagine holding nine $100 bills in your hand. Look: they're gone in the blink of an eye (one second)! That's how fast the Commonwealth is spending your tax money. Who's certifiable?

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.

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.

New Staff (sort of)

I'm pleased to announce the birth of Caroline Lynn Williams, second daughter of Lynn and Beth Williams (my director of communications): July 7th @ 2:04 p.m., 7 lbs., 19-½".

Bills Signed Into Law

With passage of the 2010 – 2011 state budget, a number of measures were signed into law, including:

Here's the status of a number of my proposed reform measures:

Here's the status of a number of my other legislative initiatives:

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.

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.

As widely reported by the media, both the Senate (37–13) and the House (117–84) passed the state budget (House Bill 2279) for 2010 – 2011. I was not able to support this measure as I do not believe it represents a balanced budget as required by Pennsylvania's Constitution – especially since next to no one thinks we will actually receive any or all of $850 million in federal funding. The $28.04 billion budget represents state spending of approximately $76 million per day, $3 million an hour, $53,000 a minute, and $889 a second. To view a listing of line items within the approved budget click here.

The following measures were also passed in conjunction with the budget, including:

Bills Signed Into Law

A number of other bills were also sent to the Governor for action, including:

A number of other bills were sent to the Governor and are awaiting action, including:

The full Senate unanimously passed a number of measures to the House for additional consideration, including:

The Senate also unanimously confirmed:

The Senate also adopted a number of Resolutions, including:

The Senate recessed until Monday, September 20th (unless recalled sooner by the Senate President Pro Tempore).

Committee Actions

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.

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.

Senator Mike Folmer is running for Re-election in 2010 and your help will be key! Since joining the General Assembly, Senator Folmer has worked hard to advance his “Promise to Pennsylvania”: Political and Legislative reform, tax and spending reform, and legal and labor law reform. While much has been accomplished, much remains to be done. We are hosting A Folmer for State Senate Campaign Celebration: September 10, 2010 at 6:00PM at All About You Catering in Lebanon. This event will include a cocktail hour with hors d’oeuvres, light buffet and a silent/live auction, and dancing.

This is our major Fundraiser for the campaign. Our goal is $10,000. There are a number of sponsorship opportunities from $450 to $3,500. If a sponsorship opportunity does not fit into your budget, please consider a donation of products or service for our silent/live auction. Every dollar that you can contribute, no matterhow minimal, will help us to return “Citizen Mike” to Harrisburg.

Mike ran as a reformer. He has kept his promises to the people. This event offers an opportunity to show our gratitude and to maintain the momentum by becoming a sponsoror contributor. If you would like to make a donation or become a sponsor, please complete and return the downloadable form below. Also, if you would like to help plan the event or help with the arrangements, please call Lauri-Jo Folmer at (717) 865-0120. We hope we can count on you to help the Folmer For State Senate Re-Election by supporting the Folmer for State Senate Re-Election event.

Sponsorship Form: Download Here

Happy Fourth of July!

This Sunday marks the 234th birthday of the United States. If only we had a state budget to celebrate! Talks with the Governor and the House continue. A key hang-up is whether $850 Million in federal (Medicaid) dollars will actually be forthcoming. Most indications say it will not. However, the Governor insists on counting these funds, which is a concern to me as Article VIII, Section 13 of Pennsylvania’s Constitution requires the General Assembly to pass a balanced budget: "Operating budget appropriations made by the General Assembly shall not exceed the actual and estimated revenues and surplus available in the same fiscal year."

Bills Signed Into Law

The Governor signed a number of measures into law, including:

Senate Sends Bills to House

The full Senate unanimously passed a number of measures to the House for additional consideration, including:

Senate Bill 929: requires publishers to provide schools with information on textbooks and supplemental materials, including price

Senate Bill 1250: requires 25% of any fine imposed by DEP under the Air Pollution and Control Act be shared with the municipality where the violation(s) occurred

Senate Bill 1328: limits service contracts offered by automobile manufacturers and dealers

House Bill 687: amends the Procurement Code to allow governmental units to enter into guaranteed energy savings contracts with qualified providers

The Senate also passed Senate Resolution 343 calling for a study and review of the Library Code for modernization.

Committee Actions

The Senate Urban Affairs & Housing Committee reported out (10 – 1) House Bill 60, which would establish the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Program to be administered by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency using Sallie Mae and Freddie Mac as models. I was unable to support House Bill 60 as it does not specify how the costs of this new program would be covered

The Senate Communications & Technology Committee, which I chair, held a public hearing on the Pennsylvania Research & Education Network (PennREN), which is receiving $99.7 Million in federal stimulus moneys and will be administered by the Keystone Initiative for Education & Research (KINBER). Additional hearing(s) are planned. Testimony from the June 17th hearing is posted on my website.

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.

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.

Happy National Flag Day!

Today marks the 233rd anniversary of the American Flag. On June 14, 1777, Congress passed a resolution saying: "Resolved: that the flag of the United States be made of thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new Constellation." Flag Day, the anniversary of the 1777 Flag Resolution, was officially established by proclamation of President Woodrow Wilson on May 30, 1916. On August 3, 1949, President Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14 of each year as National Flag Day.

Governor Signs Bills into Law

The Governor signed a number of measures into law, including:

Senate Sends Bills to House

The full Senate passed a number of bills and sent them to the House for further consideration. All bills passed unanimously, unless otherwise indicated.

The Senate also unanimously approved House Bill 1641 to require circulating nurses in operating rooms. The bill is now before the Governor.

State Revenues Continue to Fall Behind Projections

Senate Republicans remain committed to passing a fiscally responsible state budget before the June 30 deadline. However, like last year, and years past, the Governor continues to call for higher spending and higher taxes. The Governor also insists on more spending, despite underperforming revenues. These are two major factors which could cause another lengthy budget impasse.

Last month revenues were approximately $125 million short of projections, pushing the year-end deficit to $1.23 billion. This makes the budget passed by the House considerably out-of-balance. Any budget over $27.5 billion would result in the need for a tax increase (expenditures would exceed available resources). I continue to believe and advocate for the state to live within its means. As a result, spending no more than $27.5 billion is vital for me.

Appropriations - amended and unanimously reported out my Senate Bill 104, accountability in the use of state-owned vehicles, and my Senate Bill 621, exempting Pennsylvania from the mandates of the federal Real ID law.

Education - reported out Senate Resolution 343 (studying modernization of the Library Code); Senate Bill 553 (requiring a two-thirds majority of school directors for millage increases); and Senate Bill 250 (extending the mandate waiver program).

I offered an amendment to SB 250 to give school districts the option of economic furloughs to control costs, especially as they face the impending pension crisis). I withdrew the amendment because of concerns it would threaten the extension of the mandate waiver program.

The Committee also discussed Senate Bill 1321 calling for consolidation of school districts at the county level. However, no actions were taken on this proposal.

Communications and Technology - amended and reported out House Bill 1175, which would prohibit the involuntary implantation of identification devices into individuals over age 18.

The committee will hold a public hearing Thursday, June 17, at 10 a.m. on the Keystone Initiative for Network Based Education & Research (KINBER). The meeting will take place in room 8 E-B of the main Capitol.

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.

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.

Greetings to all. In early January, 2006, a tire salesman named Mike Folmer, declared himself as a candidate for state senate from the 48th District. Those of us who met Mike at this meeting saw a real conservative bound to the belief that government must be run by CITIZENS dedicated to honor our CONSTITUTION. He vowed to work towards government as listed in the Promise to Pennsylvania. He has kept these vows and we are proud of Senator Mike Folmer.

We will be holding an Organizational event for Citizen Mike's 2010 Campaign on Tuesday, June 22, 2010 at 7:00 PM at the Lebanon Valley Livestock (Located beside Esther's Diner on Rt 22 in Fredericksburg)

The purpose of this meeting is to KICK OFF the Citizen Mike Campaign and gather volunteers to permit Mike to further advance his Promise to Pennsylvania.

Please ask your friends and neighbors to join us!

Looking forward to seeing everyone there!

Senate Returns to Session

The full Senate returned to Session Monday, May 24, and is scheduled to be in Session Tuesday, May 25, and Wednesday, May 26. The Senate is scheduled to recess for the Memorial Day holiday, and return to Session for the remainder of June (or until a 2010 – 2011 state budget is passed).

Bills Signed Into Law

The Governor recently signed a number of bills into law, including:

The Governor vetoed Senate Bill 81, changes to the Liquor Code. I opposed this bill on two occasions when it was before the full Senate.

Energy Saving Tips and Programs

Warmer weather means more energy use and there are several new programs to help you save both energy and money. Visit www.energysavePA.com to view a list of energy-saving home improvements and products as well as appliance rebate programs.

State Government Committee

11 a.m., Tuesday, May 25, Room 461 Main Capitol - review of the Department of General Services' 2010 property disposition plan

Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committee

11 a.m., Tuesday, May 25, Senate Majority Caucus Room – consideration of various bills, including my Senate Bill 384, police powers at military installations, such as Fort Indiantown Gap.

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.

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.

High-Risk Pool Legislation Passes Senate

Last week my Senate Bill 507, legislation to establish a state High Risk Pool (HRP), passed the full Senate by a vote of 49-1. Senator Ferlo was the only “no” vote. The bill is a key component of Healthy PA, my plan to reduce health care costs and enhance the quality and access to care for Pennsylvanians.

Many other states have some version of a high risk pool, which does not allow public funds to pay premiums. My legislation aimed to apply this provision to Pennsylvania law while establishing an independent board of directors to oversee the operations of the pool and ensure it is self-sustaining. The new federal health care law forced changes to my bill. The bill now goes to the full House for consideration.

For more information, visit the Senate Newsroom.

Senate Sends Bills to House

In addition to Senate Bill 507, the full Senate sent the following bills to the House. All bills passed unanimously, unless otherwise noted.

Special Session on Transportation Opens

On May 4, the Governor opened the Special Legislative Session on Transportation to address Pennsylvania’s many infrastructure needs. In his remarks to a joint Session of the House and Senate, he outlined three options to address Pennsylvania’s road and bridge needs:

1. Raise the gas tax and/or increase drivers’ license and vehicle registration fees
2. Borrow $1 billion and $80 million in debt service
3. Lease the Pennsylvania Turnpike and/or other Commonwealth assets

Even as the Governor calls for additional spending, taxing, and/or borrowing for transportation, Pennsylvania’s General Fund budget suffered yet another blow. April’s tax revenues were again below forecast, which brings the current budget deficit to more than $1 billion. As in past years, the Governor predicted cuts in spending would result in employee furloughs and/or layoffs and called for new and/or higher taxes and user fees, including a severance tax on natural gas, new taxes on cigars and smokeless tobacco, vastly expanded sales tax (albeit at a lower rate), and increasing state taxes on oil companies.

An interesting side note, the Governor has not addressed the 2012 pension spike.

The committee reported out Senate Bill 1248 which would require school districts to develop financial educational materials. I opposed the bill because I believe it is yet another unfunded mandate. Senate Bill 1297, legislation to require 180 school days even with cancellations due to inclement weather, was also reported out. Senate Bill 1314, stricter accountability for charter and cyber charter schools, and Senate Bill 1318, establishing military appointments for state military colleges, also advanced through committee. The bills now go to the full Senate.

Labor & Industry

The committee reported out Senate Bill 1205, legislation to establish “work sharing” under Pennsylvania’s unemployment compensation law.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Senate Sends Bills to House

The full Senate also unanimously confirmed Harriet Dichter as Secretary of Public Welfare.

High-Risk Pool Amended Again, Reported to Floor

Senate Bill 507, my proposal to establish a High Risk Pool (HRP) for Pennsylvania, was again amended and unanimously reported from the Senate Appropriations Committee. My goal for the legislation was to establish an independent, self-sustaining, non-profit association to help fill gaps in care for people denied insurance for medical reasons. A total of 35 other states have some version of a HRP. However, the new federal health care law places so many mandates and restrictions on states that self-sufficiency may be difficult. That is why I have also introduced Senate Bill 1312, legislation to exempt Pennsylvania from these federal mandates.

Empowerment Legislation Sent to Full Senate

The Senate Education Committee amended and reported Senate Bill 1192, reauthorization of Pennsylvania’s Education Empowerment Act, to the full Senate. The current law is positioned to sunset on June 30 of this year. I was the lone committee member to vote “no” since I do not share the belief that state control is better than local control. Additionally, an amendment was added to the bill to extend certain mandates on schools. I believe we should be lifting state mandates, not adding to them.

Town Hall Meeting Scheduled

My next town hall meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m., Monday, April 26, at the Tulpehocken Area School District Office, 27 Rehrersburg Road, Bethel. Please plan to join me.

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.

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.

The full Senate unanimously approved various bills, including:

Senate Bill 213 - establishes the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children Act;

Senate Bill 642 - provides for the registration of provisional sign language interpreters;

Senate Bill 747 - establishes procedures for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation when selling land that is no longer needed for transportation purposes;

Senate Bill 1044 - authorizes the Department of Corrections and county prisons to redistribute unused, unopened prescription drugs;

Senate Bill 1074 - establishes requirements for the incarceration of pregnant women and the use of restraint for pregnant prisoners or detainees; and

House Bill 526 - establishes notice requirements when certain insurance policies are terminated prior to the original date of coverage.

The Senate also passed Senate Bill 435 by a vote of 31-19, which would eliminate jury commissioners in counties of the Second Class A, and Senate Bill 1117 (vote of 31-19), which would eliminate these positions in counties of the third to eighth classes. These measures are similar to my Senate Bill 392, which would give counties of the fifth class the option to eliminate these positions.

A number of bills were passed by both the House and Senate and sent to the Governor for action, including:

Senate Bill 206 - prohibits school districts from prohibiting the wearing of official military uniforms authorized by the federal government;

Senate Bill 237 - makes certain information under the Insurance Company Law privileged and confidential;

Senate Bill 297 - requires the filing of certain reports for Marcellus Shale drilling; and

House Bill 416 - makes it illegal to pretend to hold a professional or occupational license.

My Senate Bill 109, which would establish the "Taxpayer-Funded Advertising Transparency Act," was reported from the Senate Appropriations Committee to the full Senate for consideration.

The Senate Communications & Technology Committee held a public hearing and unanimously reported the following to the full Senate:

Senate Bill 964 - changes the effective date of an exemption on supplying a Social Security number for people applying for hunting and fishing licenses;

Senate Bill 1147 - allows online gathering of alternate forms of identification (other than Social Security numbers) for hunting and fishing licenses; and

Senate Resolution 260 - designates April 20 as "Pennsylvania Health Care Information Technology Day" (a similar measure was passed last year).

The Senate Education Committee recently held a public hearing on mandate waivers and also approved a number of measures, including:

Senate Resolution 243 - directs the Joint State Government Committee to conduct a study of Pennsylvania's most successful and efficient school districts. The previous "Costing Out Study" excluded most of these districts and high cost/low performance districts because they were found to be outside the "standard deviations" of the study. The resolution passed 9-2;

Senate Bill 1202 - requires school districts that choose to not contract for goods or services with Intermediate Units (IU) to post on their website the goods or services being purchased, contract price, provider, and reason why the contract was not through the IU. The bill passed 10 - 1; and

Senate Bill 1252 - creates a program to support the teachers seeking national certification. The bill passed unanimously.

I want to thank the many constituents who called both in support and opposition to the proposal to amend Pennsylvania's Constitution to define marriage as being between one man and one woman (Senate Bill 707). The passion on both sides was strong. Although I do not serve on the Senate Judiciary Committee where the bill was deliberated, I have closely followed the debate. The bill was tabled - or postponed - by the Committee.

Tuesday, March 23, 7:00 p.m. at the Lebanon Valley Livestock, 2929 Route 22 (next to Esther's)

Thursday, March 25, at 6 p.m. - Representative Jim Cox and I will be host a town hall meeting at the Calvary Bible Fellowship Church, 4891 West Penn Avenue, Sinking Spring, to answer questions regarding the Wernersville Community Corrections Center. If you plan to attend the meeting, please call Representative Cox's office at (610) 670-0139 or register online.

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) will hold a public hearing Wednesday, March 24, at 10a.m., in the East Hanover Township (Dauphin County) Municipal Building, 8848 Jonestown Road, Grantville, to receive public comments on Penn National Hollywood Casino's application to conduct table games. For those wishing to present oral or written testimony, contact the PGCB by noon, Monday, March 22. Written comments may be mailed to: PA Gaming Control Board, Attention: Board Secretary, P.O. Box 69060, Harrisburg, and PA 17106 or faxed to 717-346-8350. Written comments must be postmarked by March 22.

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.

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.

Senate Returns to Session

With the conclusion of the Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings, the full Senate returned to voting Session on March 8, and unanimously passed a number of measures, including:

Senate Bill 260 - increased authority to the Attorney General to prosecute child sexual abuse that may cross county or state lines;

Senate Bill 766 - statutorily establishes the popular "Science in Motion Program," an initiative the Governor has not included in a number of his previous budgets;

Senate Bill 916 - extends the deadline for the controller of Counties of the Second Class to file annual reports;

Senate Bill 1077 - changes to Pennsylvania's Uniform Construction code relating to log walls;

Senate Resolution 215 - directs the Legislative Budget & Finance Committee to study the potential costs of complying with the agriculture source nutrient reduction goals of the Chesapeake Bay Tributary Strategy;

House Bill 1533 - extends the sunset date of the "Military Family Relief Assistance Program." The program helps military personnel and their families with grants. The measure is headed to the Governor for signature; and

House Bill 416 - makes it an offense to pretend to hold a professional license.

Communications & Technology

Wednesday, March 17, 10 a.m., Room 8E-B, East Wing - Public hearing and consideration of Senate Bill 964 (alternative identification for hunting and fishing licenses), Senate Bill 1147 (electronic hunting and fishing licenses), and Senate Resolution 260 (designating April 20 as "Pennsylvania Health Care Information Technology Awareness Day")

Wednesday, March 24, 9 a.m., Room 8E-B, East Wing - The Communications & Technology Committee and the Senate Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committee will hold a joint hearing on the 911 emergency response system and its funding. The hearing may include a discussion of House Bill 1789, relating to prepaid wireless services, which was recently passed by the House.

Wednesday, March 17, 9 a.m., Room 8E-A, East Wing - Public hearing on Pennsylvania's public pensions.

Thursday, March 18, 11 a.m., Cora Services, 8540 Verree Road, Philadelphia - Public hearing on urban modernization.

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) will hold a public hearing Wednesday,

March 24, at 10a.m., in the East Hanover Township (Dauphin County) Municipal Building,

8848 Jonestown Road, Grantville, to receive public comments on Penn National Hollywood Casino's application to conduct table games. For those wishing to present oral or written testimony, contact the PGCB by noon, Monday, March 22. Written comments may be mailed to: PA Gaming Control Board, Attention: Board Secretary, P.O. Box 69060, Harrisburg, PA 17106 or faxed to 717-346-8350. Written comments must be postmarked by March 22.

There have been a number of questions surrounding the Wernersville Community Corrections Center, and to address these issues, Representative Jim Cox and I will be host a town hall meeting on Thursday, March 25, at 6 p.m., at the Calvary Bible Fellowship Church, 4891 West Penn Avenue, Sinking Spring. If you plan to attend the meeting, please call Representative Cox's office at (610) 670-0139 or register online.

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.

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.

Governor Rendell is scheduled to present his 2010 – 2011 spending plan to a joint session of the General Assembly Tuesday, February 9, at 10:30 a.m. The Governor has been calling for additional spending of around four percent – or an increase of $1 billion. This will be his final budget proposal, and it can be viewed live on my website by clicking “Live Senate Feed.” I’ll have my comments on the proposal posted on the site as well.

As the Governor continues to push for increased spending, state revenues continue to decrease. In December, the state collected $2.1 billion - $120.2 million less than anticipated. To date, the state is $374.4 million below estimates. The Governor has previously said that there will be a $450 million revenue shortfall by the end of the fiscal year (June 30). It appears that estimate will need to be revised upwards.

The full Senate unanimously approved a number of measures for House consideration, including:

Senate Bill 298 - amends the Clean and Green law relating to Marcellus Shale, wind generation systems, temporary pipe storage facilities, alternative energy for farm use, non-coal surface mining, and voluntary opt out of Clean and Green;

Senate Bill 828 - prohibits the state from citing non-profits and charitable groups for selling commonly prepared baked goods (homemade pies, etc.); and

Senate Bill 1169 - addresses a loophole in the law requiring convicted defendants to pay restitution, reparation, fees, costs, and fines and penalties.

The Governor signed House Bill 1847 into law as Act 4 of 2010. The new law addresses conflicts between property owners over coal bed methane wells and access roads. The bill unanimously passed the full Senate in December.

With continued concerns over the Administration’s plans to enter into an agreement with Delaware, and piggyback on their existing health information network, Senator Wozniak (Democratic Chair of the Senate Communications & Technology Committee) and I are introducing legislation to require an open and transparent bid process. Additional information can be found on my website.

Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati and Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi announced last week that the Senate will not convene for a regular lame duck session in 2010.

The 28 days between November 2 and November 30 are known as a “lame duck” session because some members of the General Assembly can vote on legislation despite the fact that their successors have already been elected.

The idea not convene after the general election is both consistent with the openness and transparency elements of my “Promise to Pennsylvania” and gives the Governor and House and Senate members plenty of advance notice that all legislative initiatives need to be completed in the early Fall.

Sen. Kim Ward has introduced Senate Bill 106, a constitutional amendment which would eliminate regular lame duck sessions. It would allow the legislature to convene if a special session is necessary. A similar bill was approved by the Senate last session but did not advance in the House.

The Senate did not have a “Lame Duck Session” in 2008 and it worked very well.

The Senate Communications & Technology Committee, scheduled for Wednesday, February 10, at 10 a.m., has been postponed to Wednesday, March 17. Bills to be considered include:

Senate Bill 964 – legislation to allow individuals applying for hunting and fishing licenses to provide alternative identifications (other than Social Security Numbers) no later than April 10, 2010.

Senate Bill 1147 – legislation to authorize the electronic gathering of driver’s license numbers or non-driver identification card numbers (in place of Social Security Numbers) for hunting and fishing licenses.

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.

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.

Last week a number of Senate Committees met to consider various bills, with some legislation being reported to the full Senate for consideration, including:

Senate Bill 104 - my state vehicle accountability bill
Senate Bill 109 - my “Taxpayer-Funded Advertising Transparency Act”
Senate Bill 766 - proposed “Science in Motion” grants
Senate Bill 895 - making the Pennsylvania Rifle the official state firearm. The bill was discussed at length, and the committee voted 8 – 3 to move it to a full Senate vote.

The Senate Communications & Technology Committee recently held a public hearing on the proposed strategic plan for the Pennsylvania Health Information Exchange (PHIX), a proposal to link electronic medical records and electronic health records to doctors and hospitals across the Commonwealth.

Ann Torregrossa, Director, Governor’s Office of Health Care Reform, and Phil Magistro, Deputy Director Implementation, offered testimony on the development and details of the plan. Kelly Lewis, President & CEO of TechQuest Pennsylvania and the Technology Council of Central Pennsylvania, also appeared before the Committee and raised various issues.

Given the questions and concerns over recommendations to enter into an agreement with Delaware, and piggyback on their existing health information network, Democrat Committee Chairman John Wozniak and I sent a letter to Governor Rendell urging delay in signing such contract. Senator Wozniak and I also expressed the need for an expedited process to allow other technology firms to submit proposals and compare with Delaware operations. Additional comments on the PHIX proposal, are available on my website.

The Senate Communications & Technology Committee will meet again Wednesday, February 10, at 10 a.m. to consider:

For a complete list of Senate committee meeting times, dates, and locations, click here.

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.

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.