House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

During his life, Benjamin Franklin was instrumental in the founding of our nation and governance of our Commonwealth. His life is continually deserving of our recognition, which is why I intend to introduce a resolution recognizing January 17, 2018, as the 312-year anniversary of Benjamin Franklin’s birth.

Born to humble means in 1706, Franklin embodied the phrase “rags to riches,” became a renowned philanthropist, created inventions that shaped the modern world, and defined the revolutionary thought of the American colonies. However, his most notable work came through public service – member of the Pennsylvania Assembly, signer of the American Declaration of Independence, framer the United States Constitution and Pennsylvania Constitution, United States ambassador.

A fitting story from the Constitutional Convention tells of a woman asking Franklin what form of government the American colonies would take. “A republic, if you can keep it,” is what he reportedly responded. Today, our work is that of the woman in this tale: helping to keep the republic that Benjamin Franklin made.

Join me in celebrating the life and accomplishments of such a momentous figure by co-sponsoring this resolution.