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House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted:	February 13, 2023 02:09 PM
From:	Representative Joe Ciresi
To:	All House members
Subject:	Replacing the State Song

Many people do not know that we have a state song. In 1990, after years of contentious debate, the state legislature adopted the current state song — “Pennsylvania” by Eddie Khoury and Ronnie Bonner. State law establishes this as our official song for all public purposes, and the song is often performed at public events, such as gubernatorial inaugurations.   In the three decades since the state song was adopted, Pennsylvania has changed greatly. It is time for us to consider updating our state song to better embody the spirit of our great state. State symbols bring us together. When we see our state flag and hear our state song, we should be able to share our commonality and celebrate our heritage as fellow Pennsylvanians.   That is why I am introducing a resolution establishing an independent commission to study the history of the state song, solicit submissions from the public, and recommend changes to the state song. As state legislators, we would then have the option of passing legislation to change the state song based on the commission’s recommendation.   Please join me in co-sponsoring this resolution and supporting this effort to adopt a state song that embodies the spirit of our great state.

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