News from
Charles Umbenhauer

Charles Umbenhauer A.B.A.T.E. of PA Lobbyist

Received NO NEWS from Charles in 2007.

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Date: 04/26/06 18:43:57

Subject: Politricks - ABATE Style

Wednesday, April 26 - One busy day at the state capitol. The morning started promptly at 8:00 AM with a fundraising breakfast for Senator Jim Rhoades, followed by additional fund raisers for Representative Richard Stevenson and Representative Dennis Leh.

At 10:00 AM the Transportation Committee met to consider House Bill 901 - this is the ABATE bill that allows for additional voluntary night lighting of motorcycles. An amendment was offered by Rep. Roy Baldwin that strikes out all reference to various colors of valve stem caps, light wire, neon tubes and strobe lights. Remaining allowable lighting includes blue dot illumination, standard bulb running lights, light emitting diode (LED) pods and strips.

All bills require a little give and take (compromise) but we got the best deal we could to enable us to advance the bill.

The bill and the amendment passed out of the committee by a unanimous vote. The bill is presently on the House floor and will be considered for three days and then voted and if successful will then go to the Senate where we will work with Senator Madigan and his staff in order to successfully advance the bill to the Governor's desk for his consideration.

At 11:00 AM the full Senate considered House Bill 137 - this is the ABATE bill that will correct the 24-7 lights on rule for motorcycles changing the date of the motorcycles that are exempt from the lights on law from 1973 to 1986.

The bill passed the Senate 47 - 1.

The bill is now sent to the Governor for his consideration.

Earlier in the week the House passed a Resolution (HR 674) designating May 2006 as "Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. The Governor signed a similar proclamation last week.

Several members of the House Transportation Committee mentioned to me that they received calls asking them to support House Bill 901. To those of you who took the time to make those calls - THANK YOU! The system works.

Lobbying Tip of the Day - Do not eat cream filled donuts at a fundraising breakfast while wearing a black suit. Enough said!

Date: April 19, 2006
Subject: Politricks ABATE Style

Damn - I knew it was too quiet down here at the Capitol. We have House Bill 901 the voluntary night lighting bill for motorcycles ready for a vote next Wednesday in the House Transportation Committee. I received word today that PennDOT is going to object to the bill. Below you will find a message that I sent to all the Members of the House Transportation Committee this evening. At the conclusion of this message I will list the names of the Committee. If you are interested in supporting this legislation I ask you to call or email the legislators office and ask them to support House Bill 901 with the Baldwin amendment. Tell them this is nothing more than a safety issue and its a no-brainer. Be polite and call as many of the legislators on the committee as possible, but especially, if one of them happens to be your legislator or someone you know personally. All it will take is a few calls from constituents between now and next Wednesday and we should be able to get this bill out of committee.

House Bill 901 introduced by Representative Kerry Benninghoff (R-Bellefonte) proposed to amend Title 75 of the PA Consolidated Statutes to allow for voluntary auxiliary lighting to a motorcycle to protect the rider.

Motorcyclists and safety experts know that additional lighting increases visibility of motorcycles to other motor vehicle operators. Many enthusiasts have decided that stock lighting on their motorcycles is not enough. The addition of after-market lighting boosts conspicuity, especially at night. Even during daylight hours, adding more lights may help other drivers more clearly identify motorcycles.

I understand that there may be some resistance to this proposed legislation from PennDOT. To us, if daytime lighting is required and is considered a vehicle safety issue, then certainly additional voluntary night lighting would have the same effect in drawing attention to motorcycles creating a safer operating environment for both the motorcyclist and the other vehicle operators.

Representative Roy Baldwin has worked with us (ABATE of PA) to draft an amendment that significantly tones down the original bill. House Bill 901 is due to be considered at next Wednesday's Transportation Committee Meeting.

We hope that you will review this legislation and find favorably on its behalf. We would appreciate not only your support but welcome any input or comments you may have relating to the issue of voluntary night lighting for motorcycles.

Transportation Committee Members

Rick Geist

Roy Baldwin

Gib Armstrong

John Evans

Teresa Forcier

Matthew Good

Kate Harper

Dick Hess

John Maher

Ron Marsico

Eugene McGill

Stan Saylor

Jess Stairs

Katherine Watson

Rod WIlt

Keith McCall

Ken Ruffing

Frank Dermody

Mike Gerber

Anthony Melio

Joe Petrarca

Larry Roberts

Dante Santoni

Tim Solobay

Mike Sturla

Ed Wojnaroski

Date: April 14, 2006
Subject: Politricks ABATE Style

House Bill 901, a bill providing for voluntary lighting on motorcycles has been scheduled for a vote in the House Transportation Committee on Wednesday, April 26, 2006. If the bill is successfully voted out of committee it will go to the full House for consideration. This bill has a long way to go but it very well could finally be starting on its journey.

We have also been informed that the House Transportation Committee will meet in Altoona in May to investigate complaints about automatic red lights that do not respond to motorcycles. Several ABATE members and their motorcycles will be on site along with PennDOT officials to examine the problem first hand.

Date: 04/03/06
Subject: Politricks ABATE Style

A House Resolution # 674 has been introduced by Representative Teresa Forcier and others designating May 2006 as "Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.

I also received a call today from the Governor's office informing us that a Proclamation for May should be signed by the Governor sometime in mid April.

A new State Representative John Sabatina Jr. has been sworn in and will be representing the 174 legislative district. John replaces longtime State Representative Alan Butkovitz who was elected City Controller in Philadelphia.

Last Thursday evening I attended a fundraiser for Senator Jubelirer in Altoona. Past Governor Tom Ridge was in attendance. This was the first opportunity I had to speak with Ridge since he went to Washington to become Homeland Security Secretary. Tom congratulated us on our success in modifying the helmet law and asked me to send his greetings to everyone. So consider it done.

Quite frankly, I always liked Mr. Ridge and other than the veto of our helmet bill, he always had an open door policy for ABATE of PA. While many members were disappointed about the veto, had he not gone to Washington DC before his term expired as Governor there was a good chance we would have eventually got the bill back to him in a corrected version and he would have signed it. That's all past history now and we have to move on.

If you are one of those that is still bitter about the Ridge veto then you have even more reason to attend the upcoming Rights Rally on May 22 and show your appreciation to Governor Ed Rendell who not only promised to sign a helmet bill but did so.

Date: 3/25/06
Subject: Politricks - ABATE Style

We could probably put this under the heading of "Boy how time flies when you're having fun."

But today we definitely got the wake up call that it is time to get back to work.

Eric Bugaile, Executive Director of the House Transportation Committee has informed me that the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee has started to conduct a study of reported motorcycle accidents as required by the Resolution that was passed in 2003 when our helmet modification bill passed the House.

I have also been advised that they have already met with PennDOT and that PennDOT has the information they need to do the report but they have not received that information as of yet.

Phil Durgan of the Committee stated that"Our read of the resolution is that it should be a fairly straight forward report, although I know the Trauma doctors and a Nurse's association wants to talk to us about it."

Eric has advised them that if they are going to meet with the Trauma folks that they should also meet with ABATE and he has supplied them with my name and contact information and stated to them "He (Charles) feels PennDOT's numbers are skewed."

I plan to speak with Mr. Durgan as early as Monday and let him know that I believe they should produce a straight forward report and that I object to the Trauma Doctors or anyone else for that matter, having input into the report. Let them produce an accurate report and then everyone will have an equal opportunity to debate their findings.

I have discovered that registrations increased from 2004 at 286,531 to 313,180 in 2005. This is a significant increase in registrations for a one year period. I will contact PennDOT and make an effort to find out what the fatality numbers were for 2005. That's the number that will have the most significance for us.

In the meantime, coming to the Rights Rally in Harrisburg on Monday, May 22, 2006 is no longer an option. IT'S A MANDATE!

The Legislature, the Trauma people and everyone in between will be looking at the gathering to judge just what kind of support the bikers are prepared to put up against an attempt to reinstate a mandatory helmet law for all riders in PA.

We also must double our efforts to raise BikePAC funds at the Rally. It's the only way we can have any impact on helping keep our friends in office and being able to get face time with new candidates.

Well, we all knew it was going to come and now it is here. What are you gonna do? Go to work and hope for the best - or get your butt down to Harrisburg and support the Rally and then go and visit your Legislators.

Remember, Louisiana and I am not talking about the hurricane! Freedoms come and go at the whims of legislators and especially it's easy for them to sign off on your rights when they know you won't be around to remind them you are watching them. I don't know what else I can do to make all of you understand that this is the beginning of a new fight.

Hope to see all of you in the Burg.

Date: 03/23/06

Subject: Politricks - ABATE Style

On Wednesday, March 22, the Senate Transportation Committee unanimously reported HB 137 out as committed. This is an ABATE bill that will amend the Vehicle Code to provide further for motorcycle lights. The bill will correct the year for motorcycles that must have lights on 24-7 from 1973 to 1986.

This should solve the problem for anyone riding bikes with less than adequate voltage regulators.

A letter went out today from BikePAC to all Chapter Presidents encouraging them to make a contribution to the PAC at this years Motorcyclists Rights Rally scheduled for Monday, May 22, 2006 at the state capitol. Demand for contributions is at an all time high and the cost of fund raisers has risen significantly. When the issue is raised at your chapter meetings I hope that you will encourage all of your members to dig in and contribute to the PAC and also make plans now to come to the Rally and bring your kids, if at all possible. It's a good educational experience they won't forget.

Date: 10/27/05
Subject: Restriction on Motorcycle Passengers

To all:

Yesterday at the state capitol for the third time this session the possibility of legislation to restrict the age of passengers on motorcycles came up. Senator Pat Vance is considering introducing a bill that would forbid anyone 12 or under from riding as a passenger on a motorcycle.

The local TV station did a detailed story on the subject and also did interviews with Senator Vance and Representative Rick Geist and Dave Surgeon of the MSP. The TV station was also conducting a poll to determine if the public thought there should be a law restricting children as passengers on motorcycles. The results of that poll will be not be known until this evening's broadcast.

It was interesting that during the interview with Representative Geist who is also chairman of the House Transportation Committee, that he stated he works with ABATE of Pennsylvania on motorcycling issues. He also stated he did not feel that we needed this law and that you can't legislate common sense.

Senator Vance stated she was going to meet with the Trauma Society to determine what age limit should be introduced. While we were successful to date in deterring Representative Kate Harper from pursuing her bill and also Rep. Angel Cruz I am not as confident that Senator Vance will retreat from introducing a bill. However, I am very confident that our membership will rise to the task of defeating any attempt to enact a law that will forbid

motorcyclists from riding their children as passengers on their motorcycles.

Just so that you are all aware Popcorn and I will be at the River Valley Chapter meeting this evening which will be held at Knuckleheads on Route 40 in Uniontown, PA. If any of you are in that general area, we would be glad to see you there.

Charles Umbenhauer

DATE: 7/1/05
PIGS AND CRACKERS

What a week it has been!

I have been at the capitol most of the week taking care of business. I have visited all 253 offices of our elected officials and also been to the Lt. Governor and Governor’s office. I left one of our July issues of Between the Lines in each office.

As you know there was a picture of both the Governor and LG with the little pig that was at the rally with Debbie Gogola. Now I hadn’t heard a word one way or the other about the pig until this week. Evidently there is a rule that states the only animals permitted in the Capitol are service animals such as guide dogs for the blind. After the rally there was a memo put out about pigs in the rotunda. I am attempting to track down a copy of that memo. Obviously, some of the state officials weren’t as amused about the pig as I was. Anyway, I will keep you advised as this story develops.

Over the years there have been a few interesting things happen on the House floor but nothing like what happened yesterday. Here’s the short version. The House was debating a bill that would allow residents of communities governed by home owners associations to fly the American Flag on their property, even if association rules forbid it. Representative John Myers of Philadelphia objected to comments that Representative Thomas Yewcic of Cambria County made in support of the bill. “I don’t think we should be embarrassed or ashamed to support the American flag or what it represents, “ Yewcic said. “If any ethnic group wants to fly….a flag, and they’re embarrassed to fly an American flag, they should go back to their ethnic origins and fly it there.” Representative Myers responded by saying, “I think that those types of remarks would come from a cracker.”

Representative Perzel called Myers to his desk to admonish him. Yewcic then apologized and Myers also apologized by saying, “I’m sorry for referring to him as a cracker.”

That offended Representative Eugene McGill of Montgomery County, “I think the apology from Mr. Myers was completely insincere,” he said. “I resent the fact that the Black Caucus thought it was so funny to call a white person a cracker.”

Things were getting out of hand and Perzel then declared the House in recess.

Also on Tuesday I did a spot that will be shown on Comcast Newsmakers starting next week. Those of you who are on Comcast might catch it. Basically I was talking about the second anniversary of the Governor signing our helmet modification bill and what the statistics have been. Time flys!

Tuesday evening I attended a private reception for Governor Rendell. It was a kickoff to raise funds for the 2006 Gubernatorial race. BIKEPAC donated $1,000 to the Rendell for Governor campaign. I spoke with the Governor one on one and he told me he was glad to see me there and was also glad that I dressed up. Rendell is used to seeing me in jeans and t-shirts more than suits and ties. I told him that I was in the process of putting together a “Riders for Rendell” campaign to help get him re-elected. Most of you will remember that we once responded to a request by the Ridge administration to do a “Bikers for Bush” campaign. I mention this only because Bush is a Republican and Rendell is a Democrat. ABATE and BIKEPAC are non-partisan.

I received a call from the Snowmobile Association who has produced some anti-drinking posters which feature all types of vehicles including motorcycles and snowmobiles. The theme of the poster is “Drunk Driving is Drunk Driving no matter what you drive!” They asked me if we would be interested in obtaining some of the posters from them and distributing them. Seemed like a good idea at first thought but with a little more consideration we decided to resurrect three of our award winning posters dealing with drinking and riding. May as well produce and distribute our own flyers rather than do the leg work and promotion for someone else’s organization. We will have the posters available at the July board meeting.

Most of you are aware that Rick Gray is running for Mayor of Lancaster. As Rick announced at the Rights Rally, this will be his last year as Chairman of the Board of Directors for the AMA. Rick has asked me to organize a fundraiser in the Harrisburg area to help him with this campaign. I have accepted that challenge. A tentative “Ride In” to support Rick is scheduled for Tuesday evening, August 16^th at Susquehanna Valley Harley Davidson in Harrisburg. It would be tough to think of anyone who has contributed more to motorcycling in this country than Rick Gray. I hope you will all join me in supporting Rick’s campaign. Wondering if it would be OK to kick this off by passing the hat at the Board Meeting?

To wrap things up there is no telling how much longer the Legislature will be in town. They should finish the budget by July 1 and then head on out for their extended summer leave. Don’t look like they are going to make it on time as of now. They could be here right through Sunday.

The newest development legislatively that will be of interest to most of you was the introduction this week of House Bill 1792. This is a bill that Stan Saylor had introduced last session to deal with covered loads. This year he has worked with Representative Scavello who was interested in legislation dealing with mud flaps on trucks. They have now rewritten the bill and have scheduled a House Transportation Committee Meeting for July 7 & 8 that will be held at Schock Harley-Davidson in Stroudsburg, PA. This will be a public hearing.

I will update you as more information is available.

Date: 06/24/05

Subject: HB 137 and SB 677

Wednesday, June 22, 2005 House Bill 137 introduced by Representative Fleagle passed the full House with amendments by a vote of 198-0. This bill will allow bikes manufactured in 1986 or earlier to be exempt from the 24/7 lights on law.

There were several amendments that were prepared to be offered to HB 137. The House adopted amendment A-01791 offered by Rep. Dan Surra. This amendment changes the fine from a $25 -$100 to a maximum of $1,000 for operating a vehicle on bridges with posted weight and/or size restrictions for certain traffic hazards or conditions.

Adoption of this amendment will have no adverse fiscal impact on Commonwealth funds and therefore, we did not object to the amendment being offered to the bill.

However, Representative George was prepared to offer amendment A01841 which would have required PennDOT to redesign driver licenses and identification cards as well as the application system to include information regarding advance directives. The amendment also appropriated $100,000 or as much as necessary for implementation for the fiscal year July 1, 2005 to June 30, 2006. Because of the fiscal impact, we objected to the offering of this amendment. I visited with Rep. George right before session this morning and explained our objection to his proposed amendment and asked him if he would be kind enough to withdraw the amendment. He agreed and withdrew his amendment.

Basically, we did not want to allow any amendments on the bill that would have had any fiscal impact. I believe that if this bill would have had any amendments that would have cost the Commonwealth money it would have eventually caused the bill to be defeated.

The bill passed on final passage 198-0.

The bill now goes to the Senate for their consideration. I will speak with Senator Madigan, chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee and ask him to try to keep any further amendments from being added to the bill. The Transportation Committee may not take up this bill until they return after the Summer break.

Another bill of interest to our organization is Senate Bill 677 introduced by Senator Pileggi. This is an act designating a portion of State Route 322 in Delaware County as the Senator Clarence D. Bell Memorial Highway. This bill was voted by the full Senate back on June 14th and passed by a vote of 50-0. The bill has been referred to the House Transportation Committee. I will speak with Representative Geist, chairman of the House Transportation Committee and ask him to schedule a vote as soon as possible so that this bill can be considered by the full House. This is an honor that is long overdue for a great legislator not to mention a long time friend and supporter of ABATE of PA.

Date: 06/08/05
Subject: HB 1330

If you were to be asked what the number one problem with motorcycles is today, what would your answer be?

No it is not helmets. But if you guessed noise, you would be right on the mark. I can't count the number of times that I have been stopped in the hall ways at the Capitol by various legislators and asked what can they do about their constituents complaining about noisy motorcycles. Some are not quite as diplomatic, they are more to the point. "If you guys don't do something about quieting down those motorcycles, we will."

To that end yet another House Bill 1330 has been introduced to solve the noise problem. While the bill never specifically states "motorcycles" it's a cure all for the noise problem. It adds the following to an already existing law.

Title 75 - Section 4523 (c) Mufflers and related equipment.-- every motor vehicle shall be equipped with a (muffler) factory- installed muffler, a muffler meeting factory specifications or other effective noise suppressing system in good working order. (and), in constant operation and (no) in compliance with the maximum noise levels permitted under subsection (a). No muffler or exhaust system shall be equipped with a cut out, bypass or similar devise.

NOTE: only the underlined sections is what is proposed to be added to the existing law. To view the entire bill go to the ABATE website and go to the Electronic Bill room. (link below)

ABATE of PA last year adopted a voluntary position on noise.

Recently, there have been numerous proposed ordinances to deal with off road noise around the state. Just last month I helped defeat an ordinance in my own township of Newberry.

I don't know how successful ABATE can be in defeating every bill that gets introduced to deal with excessive noise. I would encourage all of you to practice common sense and show consideration for your neighbors when it comes to "excessive noise." If we don't regulate ourselves they surely will do it for us.

Charles Umbenhauer

Electronic Bill Room to view the bill

May 6, 2005
Subject: May 9th - First ever Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Day at the state capitol

Monday at high Noon in the Rotunda of the State Capitol ABATE members and other interested motorcyclists will have the opportunity to tell their story and promote Motorcycle Safety and Awareness to the press and to those individuals that really matter --- our state legislators.

If at all possible I encourage EVERYONE to make a last minute effort to ride your bike and be part of the first ever Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Day at the state capitol. The weather is supposed to be cooperative and District 6 has prepared to host a great weekend at the Shellsville VFW Picnic Grounds (opening at noon on Saturday).

April 22, 2005
Capitol Update

April 20, 2005 - Representative Curt Sonney (R) Erie introduced HR 257 a resolution designating May 2005 as Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month in Pennsylvania. Many of you are unaware of who Curt Sonney is. He is the new Representative from Erie County that unseated Representative Scrimenti. This was good news for ABATE and the motorcyclists of PA since Scrimenti was not a supporter of the ABATE legislative agenda. Representative Sonney does support ABATE and put his support into action by offering the House Resolution to recognize and promote May as Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month.

Representative Sonney is only one of many new legislators in Harrisburg this session. They have all heard about the ABATE Motorcyclists Rights Rally and are anticipating viewing and in some cases, participating in their first Rally.

April 21, 2005 - Today Kevin Snyder our state coordinator, Mark Schultz, Assistant State Coordinator, John Mullendore, State Legislative Coordinator and myself met with Lt. Governor Catherine Baker Knoll and four representatives from PENNDOT to discuss motorcycle safety and awareness throughout the Commonwealth. The meeting lasted more than two hours and I believe everyone left the meeting feeling that we had made some real progress in our endeavor to work hand in hand with PENNDOT. We viewed the OSAL video and shared the program with them that our volunteers take into the schools to promote awareness of motorcycles to new drivers on our highways. Many other topics were discussed that will be reported on in detail at the upcoming state board meeting and also in the June issue of Between the Lines.

Also while at the Capitol we had the opportunity to speak with Governor Rendell for a few moments. We asked the Governor if he would be willing to contact Michigan's Governor Jennifer Granholm a fellow Democrat to ask her to support the efforts of Michigan AB ATE in their quest for freedom of choice in the use of helmets. The Governor agreed that he would contact her.

May 9, 2005 - I have heard rumors that some members feel the battle is over regarding helmets and there is no need to come to Harrisburg for a Rally. You couldn't be more wrong. Our adversaries will be watching closely to judge any erosion of our support. Also, as I stated earlier there are a number of new legislators who have had little or no exposure to the motorcyclists struggle for freedom. It took well over two decades to reach where we are today. It won't take near that long to throw your success away if we do not remain vigilant and continue to show a strong presence at the Rally. The Legislature needs continued evidence that we can unite from all four corners of the state and that we will not hesitate to converge on the Capitol to protect our rights.

THIS MEANS THAT IT IS JUST AS IMPORTANT FOR US TO RALLY IN SUPPORT OF THE NEW MODIFIED HELMET LAW AS IT WAS TO RALLY BEFORE THE HELMET MODIFICATION.

I can't guarantee anything at this point but I will tell you that the Lt. Governor expressed an interest to us today in riding into the Capitol with the group from Shellsville. Who would have ever thought?

I don't think any of you would want to miss this opportunity or have her ride in with anything less than an impressive number of motorcycles.

We have also been informed that we will have a police motorcycle escort for the entire route.

Please join us at the Shellsville VFW Picnic Grounds for a great weekend to celebrate your freedom and stay for the free breakfast on Monday morning and then enjoy a beautiful ride from the campgrounds along the Susquehanna River to the State Capitol in downtown Harrisburg. I don't know about you but I never needed much of an excuse to miss a day of work to go for a motorcycle ride, especially when I didn't have to wear a helmet!

YOU EARNED THE RIGHT TO MAKE YOUR OWN DECISION. NOW DEFEND IT!

January 25, 2005

Thanks to everyone who attended the L & L Seminar and supported BIKEPAC whether it was through chapter fundraiser donations, the Friday evening BIKEPAC fundraiser, by donating auction items for the live auction and the silent auction, buying gun raffle tickets or chances on the wagon of cheer, or by just stopping by and giving a contribution to BIKEPAC. Through all of these endeavors BIKEPAC raised a total of $17,436 over the weekend.

A special thanks to Lt. Governor Catherine Baker Knoll for stopping by our Friday evening BIKEPAC reception. She congratulated ABATE of PA on their 20th anniversary of the Leadership and Legislative Seminar. A special commemorative proclamation has been issued to ABATE of PA and will be presented Monday at the State Capitol in the Office of the Lt. Governor.

Thanks to Tammy Frey, District 9 representative for once again organizing the auction and the gun raffle. Special recognition to Denise Yohn for assisting Popcorn with collecting the donations.

Many other people assisted during the weekend festivities which helped make the ABATE L & L Seminar a great success. Thanks to all!

November 8, 2004

Subject: HB 873

The Senate Transportation Committee today, Monday November 8, 2004, voted unanimously to release HB 873 from the Committee. This
bill will increase the suspension of operating priviledge and increase fines for careless driving.
The Senate is expected to vote on the bill before the end of the legislative session on November 30th.

A special thanks to Lynn Wesley of Allegheny County Chapter and Joe Campagno from Mason Dixon Chapter for attending today's
proceedings with me.

Hold your pointer over picture for info.

November 6, 2004

Subject: VETERAN'S LICENSE PLATES

Good news! They're here, the motorcycle veterans license plates

I received mine in the mail today. I would like to thank Senator Bob Robbins and his staff for their continued efforts on this project. We all apologize for the delay in the roll out of these plates. PENNDOT originally estimated that the plates would be ready in April of this year.

Senator Robbins stated, "After several years of hard work, we were able to pass this legislation, get it signed into law, and now make the plates available to Veterans."

Perhaps it's only fitting that the plates are being issued now. This Thursday, November 11th is Veterans Day. Those who have earned the right to exhibit a Veterans motorcycle license plate on their ride deserve a special thanks from all of us. Without their service none of us would be free. Many Veterans have paid the ultimate price for our freedom and many others have suffered lifelong injuries in service to our country.

So, this Veterans Day why not do something special to honor a Veteran? We all know someone who is one. Just walk up and say thanks, they'll appreciate it and you'll feel good for doing it.

November 05, 2004

Subject: VETERAN'S LICENSE PLATES

Please send replies to this email straight to Charles at BIKEPACPA@aol.com

Here's a link straight to the Senate Transportation Committee listing.

The Senate Transportation Committee will meet on Monday, November 8th at 1:30 PM in Room 461 of the Main Capitol to consider
House Bill 873, a bill which provides for suspension of operating privileges and an increase in the penalties for careless driving.

Earlier in this legislative session Representative Forcier at the request of A.B.A.T.E. of PA had introduced House Bill 181 a bill to provide for
additional penalites for "right-of-way" violations.

Also in the Senate SB 1094 was introduced by Senator Wozniak, this bill provided for additional penalites for "right-of-way" violations causing
injury or death.

After confering with Members of the Senate Transportation Committee it was agreed upon to make some amendments to Representative
Geists bill (HB 873) which had already passed the House of Representatives, to include the increased penalities and suspension
time that ABATE was seeking against auto operators that violated the right of way of motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians.

The prognosis for HB 873 is that it will pass in the Transportation Committee and be sent to the full Senate for their consideration before
the close of session at the end of November.

Members are encouraged to contact Members of the Senate Transportation Committee and ask their support of HB 873.

November 5, 2004

SPECIAL BIKEPAC

POST-ELECTION REPORT

SENATE RACES

Despite last minute efforts by BIKEPAC and Members of the Westmoreland County Chapter of A.B.A.T.E. of PA, our longtime friend, State Senator Allen Kukovich (D) was defeated by challenger Bob Regola (R ) . BIKEPAC made a last minute contribution of $1,000 to the Kukovich campaign and also did a mailing to all the A.B.A.T.E. members who lived in the Senator’s district encouraging them to go to the polls and take their friends and neighbors with them to support Senator Kukovich. With the loss of Kukovich, the Republicans boost their majority in the Senate to 30 – 20.

Senator Rhoades (R ) in the 29^th District who had a strong challenge from Michael Halcovage (D) successfully retained his seat in the Senate. Senator Rhoades is a supporter of A.B.A.T.E. and was a yes vote on the helmet modification bill. Senator Rhoades was endorsed by BIKEPAC.

One change to the State Senate will be in the 31^st District where Republican Pat Vance will replace retiring Senator Hal Mowery. Vance nor Mowery were supportive of modifying the state’s mandatory helmet law.

Also Senator Jack Wagner (D) Allegheny was elected to the position of Auditor General. There will be a special election held to fill his seat. Wagner was our most outspoken opponent in the Senate. It’s good to see him move on to a position where he can do us less harm.

HOUSE RACES

In the 4^th District (Erie) challenger Curt Sonney (R) successfully defeated Representative Thomas “Lights on” Scrimenti. (D) Curt was endorsed by BIKEPAC.

In the 11^th District BIKEPAC endorsed candidate Fred Vero (D) lost to Republican Brian Ellis. This was a seat vacated by Representative Guy Travaglio (D) of Butler County. Guy had long been a supporter of A.B.A.T.E..’s legislative program and we wish him well in his retirement.

In the 16^th District (Beaver) Representative Susan Laughlin (D) retired and her seat will be filled by Sean Ramaley (D). Sean was BIKEPAC endorsed.

In the 60^th District (Armstrong) Representative Jeff Coleman (R), the youngest Representative to serve in the House chose not to run for another term. His seat will be filled by Jeff Pyle (R).

In the 62^nd District (Indiana) Representative Dave Reed (R) sucessfully ran for re-election against Owen Dougherty (D). Reed was BIKEPAC endorsed.

In the 65^th District (Warren) Representative Jim Lynch (R) retired and his seat will be filled by BIKEPAC endorsed Kathy Rapp (R).

In the 87^th District (Cumberland) Representative Pat Vance (R) successfully ran for the Senate and will replace retiring Hal Mowery (R) . Her House seat was won by Glen Grell (R). Grell was endorsed by BIKEPAC.

In the 89^th District (Franklin) Representative Jeff Coy (R) retired to accept a job with the newly created PA Gaming Commission. His seat was won by BIKEPAC endorsed Rob Kaufman (R) .

In the 146^th District (Montgomery) Representative Mary Ann Dailey (R) retired and her seat was won by Thomas Quigley (R).

In the 148^th District (Montgomery) saw incumbent Melissa Murphy Weber (R) defeated by challenger Mike Gerber (D). Weber voted no on our helmet bill.

In the 153^rd District (Montgomery) Josh Shapiro (D) won the seat vacated by Representative Ellen Bard (R).

In the 190^th District (Philadelphia) Thomas Blackwell (D) will replace Representative Michael Horsey (D) who was defeated in the Primary. You might remember that during the House floor debate on our helmet bill, Horsey spoke out against the bill and then mistakenly voted for it.

There were several close races but the incumbents managed to retain their seats.

Generally I believe supporters of motorcyclists have fared well in this election. I will supply a more detailed report at the A.B.A.T.E. of PA state board meeting and in the December issue of Between the Lines.

A special thanks to those members who toughed out the long lines yesterday and did their patriotic duty and voted. And thanks to everyone who did work campaigns or the polls. That’s what makes the difference.

October 31, 2004

Subject: Veteran License Plates Update

Cost is $20.00 and those who have already ordered plates should receive them in early Nov. The delivery has been delayed several times now but I have been promised they are on the way.

If you would like any applications I'll be glad to send you a few.

October 25, 2004

Subject: Veteran License Plates

There have been several inquiries about when PENNDOT will issue the motorcycle veteran's plate. I recently checked with Senator Bob Robbin's office and they told me that PENNDOT would have the plates issued by the end of October. That means they have a week to make good on the latest promise. The release date has been delayed on several occasions for various reasons. I plan on visiting Senator Robbins office on Monday for an update and if I receive any different information I will pass it along.

I know that presently there are well over 100 plates to be issued. I am sure that everyone is as anxious as I am to get that new plate and get it on their scooter. It's great to be veteran proud!

October 20, 2004

The following press release was released today by the Pennsylvania Medical Society. I have warned many of you over the past year there is a plan of action that the Medical Society and their lobbyists are pursuing which could eventually undo our helmet modification. One of the things that their lobbyist had told me more than a year ago was that they would sit back, collect the statistics and see if our organization would become complacent. In other words, we will undo ourselves.

One of our past state coordinators Fred Curren used to quote Pogo that said "We have met the enemy and he is us!"

Please read the release and take heed. I am doing everything possible from a legislative perspective to stay on top of this issue. This week alone I have met with 6 legislators and feel quite confident that we still have a lot of support in Harrisburg.

Obviously one of the most important things you can do is to make sure you cast your vote on November 2nd. In the meantime, it's not too late to visit a friendly legislator and offer to put up a few yard signs or help with mailings or calls. They will appreciate it and you will have done your part.

FOR RELEASE: October 20, 2004 Release code: 04pamed49

CONTACT: Chuck Moran, Pennsylvania Medical Society, (717) 558-7820

From helmets to second-hand smoke, doctors raise public health concerns at Pennsylvania Medical Society annual meeting

(Harrisburg, Pa.) Public health issues ranging from motorcycle helmets to obesity and smoke-free workplaces took center stage at this past weekend’s annual meeting of the Pennsylvania Medical Society, and according to members attending the event, more needs to be done to protect patients.

“Doctors from across the commonwealth voted overwhelmingly to address several public health issues of concern,” said newly installed Pennsylvania Medical Society President William W. Lander, M.D., a practicing family physician from Villanova. “They identified problems related to dangerous driving habits, smoking, obesity, and the flu shot distribution, and they want these issues addressed.”

One resolution passed by a vote of more than 200 Pennsylvania Medical Society members calls for the Society to publicly endorse the wearing of protective helmets for motorcycle drivers and passengers. Recently, Pennsylvania rescinded its mandatory helmet law, allowing riders to go without helmets under certain circumstances. But, according to the Pennsylvania Neurosurgical Society, the group responsible for authoring the resolution, helmets are 67 percent effective in preventing brain injuries during accidents. The Neurosurgical Society also pointed out that the cost to treat a motorcyclist with a head injury is more than $43,000, and that the number of practicing neurosurgeons in Pennsylvania has declined in recent years.

“What the neurosurgeons are saying is that riders can do themselves a big favor by wearing a helmet,” Dr. Lander said. “In essence, a helmet can save your life and save society money.”

Pennsylvania Medical Society members also agreed that obesity is an equally disturbing situation that merits increased attention. Members passed a resolution that calls for the Society to increase public awareness of the causes of obesity and of the means to manage the disease. Furthermore, physicians want resources available on obesity that they can share with patients.

Another resolution calls for the Medical Society to encourage the trucking and tour bus industries to dissuade drivers from leaving their vehicles running for long periods of time when not in use. The resolution notes that asthmatics are aggravated by diesel exhaust particles.

Second-hand smoke was also raised as a concern. According to the resolution calling for smoke-free workplaces in Pennsylvania, second-hand smoke is the third leading preventable cause of death in the United States, killing 50,000 non-smokers every year.

“Doctors from every county in Pennsylvania are concerned about these public health issues,” Dr. Lander said. “They see them as a public threat.”

The Pennsylvania Medical Society has been working to enhance the patient-doctor relationship since 1848. With member physicians throughout the Commonwealth, as well as a statewide Patient Advisory Board, the medical society addresses concerns of both patients and doctors to improve the delivery of health care services. To learn more about the Pennsylvania Medical Society, visit its Web site at www.pamedsoc.org.

October 17, 04

Subject: House Bill 873

House Bill 873, which will increase penalties for careless driving is scheduled to be voted on November 8th by the Senate Transportation Committee when they return to Harrisburg after the General Election on November 2nd. This bill has already passed the full House and is expected to pass both the Senate Transportation Committee and the full Senate before the end of the session.

LEMON LAW TURNS SOUR

Yesterday, September 21st the Senate Appropriations Committee pulled SB 216. SB 216 was a bill introduced by Senator Greenleaf that would have expanded the current PA Automobile Lemon Law to include motorcycles.

John Mullendore, state legislative coordinator and I had recently visited Chairman Senator Robert Thompson's office to lobby in support of Senate BIll 216. We spoke with a staff member who indicated to us that he felt this was a good bill and deserved consideration and would be acted upon favorably by the committee when theSenate returned this Fall.

Originally the bill was scheduled to be considered on Monday but that was postponed due to the closing of the Capitol because of flooding in Harrisburg.

Today I went to both Senator Greenleaf's and Senator Thompson's office in an effort to determine what went wrong. Evidently enough members of the committee were contacted by Pennsylvania motorcycle dealers and persuaded to ask the Chairman to withdraw the bill at this time.

There is still two months till the end of the session. I don't believe we should roll over and give up on this issue. Here's what we need to do.

Call Members of the Appropriations Committee and tell them that as a consumer you are disappointed that Senate Bill 216 was not acted upon by the Committee. Ask them to reconsider voting in favor of SB 216 to provide equal protection for motorcyclists as consumers the same as automobiles owners presently have.

Calls and emails need to be made to the following Senators:

Senator Robert Thompson, Majority Chair 717-787-5709
Senator's
David Brightbill 717-787-5708
Jake Corman 717-787-1377
Charles Dent 717-787-1349
Edwin Erickson 717-787-1350
Stewart Greenleaf 717-787-6599
Roger Madigan 717-787-3280
Jane Orie 717-787-6538
James Rhoades 717-787-2637
Joseph Scarnati 717-787-7084
Robert Tomlinson 717-787-5072
Mike Waugh 717-787-3817
Noah Wenger 717-787-4420
Mary Jo White 717-787-9684
Vincent J. Fumo, Minority Chair 717-787-5662
Lisa Boscola 717-787-4236
Jay Costa 717-787-7683
Vincent Hughes 717-787-7112
Robert Mellow 717-787-6481
Raphael Musto 717-787-7105
Michael O'Pake 717-787-8925
Barry Stout 717-787-1463
Jack Wagner 717-787-5300

Let's not get SQUEEZED out of something we all deserve. Contact these Senators today. Be polite but let them know that you expect equal treatment under the law.

Veteran Plate for Motorcycles

PENNDOT has informed us that the Veteran plate for motorcycles has been delayed and will not be available until July. Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause any of you.

PENNDOT has created a new program to begin creating plates for non-profit organizations which should be up and running by the end of Summer. This is for AUTOMOBILE plates and not motorcycle plates.

Many of you might remember that Representative Forcier and I were active in obtaining organizational plates for the American Motorcyclist Association. Those plates are now available. Representative Forcier has #4 and I have #3 plate in that series. Those plates were not and will not be available for motorcycles. It was extremely difficult for the AMA to gather the necessary 300 orders so these plates could be produced. The AMA has approximately 20,000 members in PA as opposed to 6,000 members in A.B.A.T.E. of PA. While some of you have expressed an interest in obtaining these plates, I believe it will be difficult for us to meet the quota of 300 or more orders needed before plates can be ordered. However, we can contact PENNDOT beginning next month to receive a program kit which provides the eligibility criteria, guidelines for program participation and an application.

In the past ABATE has been successful in securing vanity plates for motorcycles, a handicap sticker for motorcycle plates, a collectors plate for motorcycles and most recently the soon to be available Veteran's plate for motorcycles. The size of motorcycle plates limits what can be put on any one plate. I don't see any new motorcycle plates being issued by PENNDOT in the foreseeable future.

DATE: 7/1/05 PIGS AND CRACKERS

SENATE RACES

HOUSE RACES

FOR RELEASE: October 20, 2004 Release code: 04pamed49

CONTACT: Chuck Moran, Pennsylvania Medical Society, (717) 558-7820

DATE: 7/1/05
PIGS AND CRACKERS