Approximately one percent of the adult population stutters, in every nation and language, equating to about three million Americans and 130,000 Pennsylvanians. Stuttering is a speech disorder in which sounds, syllables, or words are repeated, and may be accompanied by rapid blinking, lip tremors, speech blocks, and interjections, causing difficulties when trying to communicate. These sensations can lead to embarrassment, anxiety, and fear within a person.
 
The precise causes of stuttering are still unknown, and while research continues, there is no cure for stuttering. To educate others and reach those who stutter and may feel alone or isolated, I am introducing a resolution to recognize May 9, 2024, through May 15, 2024, as “National Stuttering Week” in Pennsylvania. It is important to dismantle harmful and incorrect myths about the causes of stuttering and celebrate speech pathology, which helps bolster confidence and focuses therapeutic efforts on destigmatizing this condition.
 
Many, if not most of us, know someone — a family member, friend, coworker, or constituent — who stutters. Please join me by co-sponsoring this important resolution to raise awareness for this condition.