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 more than 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 re-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.
 
This legislation (prior HR 41) passed in the House last session with bipartisan support.
 
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.

Prior Co-Sponsors (HR 41): CIRESI, SANCHEZ, GUENST, SOLOMON, DELLOSO, NEILSON, CONKLIN, GREEN, WEBSTER and CERRATO