In the near future, Representatives Perry Warren, Kristin Marcell and I will reintroduce legislation to establish Hershey’s Kisses as the state candy of Pennsylvania.

This bill began in a Bucks County social studies classroom as a project to learn about the legislative process. A group of dedicated young Pennsylvanians formed a Committee, researched Pennsylvania’s confection history, and drafted a bill to establish Hershey’s Kisses as the first-in-the-nation state candy. The Hershey’s Kisses Committee students are now high school seniors and continue to meet with legislators to advocate for their bill and share their experiences with younger students to encourage civic engagement. The students still meet with their middle school teachers, Mr. Loughran and Mr. McCarthy, who we commend for going above and beyond to inspire and support their students.

The students chose Hershey’s Kisses because they are an iconic product first produced in Central Pennsylvania in 1907. Recognizable worldwide and uniquely associated with Pennsylvania, Hershey’s Kisses do more than satisfy cravings for chocolate. Milton Hershey used Hershey’s Kisses as the foundation for a product line and manufacturing process that strengthened the region’s economy in unparalleled ways. The Hershey Company today employs almost 19,000 people. The philanthropic generosity of Milton and Catherine Hershey has long supported and educated young people when they are most vulnerable.

Hershey’s Kisses are on the lampposts in Derry Township to recognize the candy’s importance to both the community and the Commonwealth. With those lights as its backdrop, The Hershey Company uses fresh fluid milk from Pennsylvania dairy farms when producing up to 70 million aluminum-wrapped, teardrop-shaped Kisses a day. Just a few miles from the Capitol, Hershey’s Chocolate World attracts over 3.2 million visitors annually and is the world’s most visited factory experience.

The official symbols of the Commonwealth are important because they help to differentiate our state from others. Most states have an official state dog, tree and flower, etc., to show what is important to that state.

We believe that denoting Hershey’s Kisses as the state candy will not only bring more attention to our state and promote tourism, but also commemorate a company and candy that has forever impacted our state’s economy and values. Creating the first-ever state candy is a unique opportunity to connect young Pennsylvanians to our legislative process and inspire an interest in civics.

Please join us in cosponsoring this legislation.