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TOM CHRISTOFES, JR
STATE LEGISLATIVE COORDINATOR
Tom Christofes, Jr.
717-566-7106 • 717-566-9828 (fax)
Email Legislative Director!
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Can You Believe It?
It’s September already, where did the summer go? The Legislators, both state and federal have been on summer recess. The state legislators are due back in session after Labor Day, and will work up until the elections, a couple of weeks. The state Senate has said that there will be no lame duck session. With “bonusgate”- who knows what will happen. There is talk of more indictments coming. We will have to wait to see what Attorney General Tom Corbet and his staff do next.
At the Federal level, the legislature will reconvene after Labor Day for about 15 days and will not reconvene after the elections. No Lame duck session for the federal legislature either.
In Harrisburg- 5401 bills introduced this session. Eight Bills are on our watch list. Two are done deals. Representative Dan Frankel has picked up 2 more cosponsors for HB945- reinstatement of the previous helmet law. Both are from Allegheny County.
In Washington, DC- HR-1076- Health Care Correction bill- No change- still standing at 10 cosponsors. They are: Phil English, Joseph Pitts, Jason Altmire, Christopher Carney, Chaka Fattah, Jim Gerlach, Tom Holden, Tim Murphy, Todd Russell Platts, Joe Sestak.
PennDot meeting on July 22, attended by Kevin Snyder, Mark Shcultz, Charles Umbenhauer, Steve Zurl, Lynn Wesley and myself.
• The PSA Video clip is being worked on and is getting closer to becoming a reality. This is a big movement from our first meeting.
• Motorcycle miles traveled in Pennsylvania- In the past Pennsylvania has reported zero miles traveled to the federal government. The other year the federal government has made it mandatory to report motorcycle miles traveled in states. Pennsylvania is estimating 735,000,000 or more for the current reporting year to the federal government.
• Unlicensed motorcyclists- PennDot told us that the report has not been completed. They hope to have the report completed by the time they send us the minutes of our meeting. I can tell you that the preliminary numbers were very shocking to all parties in the room. We will get the details to you as soon as we have the findings of the report.
• We are also working with PennDot Licensing to try to have some of their computers set up at our Leadership and Legislative Seminar in Grantville with the motorcycle knowledge test. This is the same test that you would take when you apply to get your motorcycle permit. They have said that they would like to make this happen.
Another meeting is going to be scheduled between ABATE of PA and PennDot, no date has been set, but we will let you know.
Just to let everyone know, I am going to run for State Legislative Coordinator for another term. Your support for me would be greatly appreciated.
Ride Safe and Sober!
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