We will soon reintroduce legislation to establish Hershey’s Kisses as the state candy of Pennsylvania.
 
Many of you have heard directly from the dedicated Bucks County students who drafted this bill. I am proud to represent a portion of Council Rock School District and some of the students who continue to tirelessly advocate for this bill through multiple sessions. I am also proud to partner with colleagues from across the aisle and around the Commonwealth to reintroduce legislation to establish the first-in-the nation state candy and bring positive attention to industries important to our Commonwealth’s economy.
 
Pennsylvania is home to a wealth of candies and treats that we all enjoy, and everyone has their personal favorite. After researching and considering various options, the students selected Hershey’s Kisses because of the iconic shape recognizable around the world and uniquely associated with Pennsylvania. The students chose a candy that represents many industries and values important to Pennsylvania’s past, present, and future, including agriculture, manufacturing, steel and aluminum, innovative entrepreneurship, commerce, community and economic development, and philanthropy.
 
Milton Hershey’s entrepreneurism and innovation inspired him to create and build his business in Pennsylvania 130 years ago and continues to drive The Hershey Company today. Up to 70 million Hershey’s Kisses wrapped in aluminum foil are manufactured in Hershey, Pennsylvania, using fresh fluid milk shipped to the plant daily. Hershey’s Kisses are sold and enjoyed around the world, fostering commerce and economic benefits, and Hershey’s Chocolate World drives tourism as the world’s largest factory experience, bringing 3.2 million visitors to Central Pennsylvania each year. Hershey’s Kisses sit atop the lampposts that line the streets of Hershey and shine a light on the philanthropic generosity of Milton and Catherine Hershey that has long supported and educated young people when they are most vulnerable.
 
The Hershey’s Kisses Committee students’ intention in establishing a first-in-the-nation state candy is to promote Pennsylvania as a great place to do business, visit, and enjoy delicious treats. The positive attention from creating a state candy would create opportunities for all of Pennsylvania’s confection and snack companies to partner to promote statewide tourism through a “Sweet & Salty Trail” or other local or regional marketing efforts.
 
We hope you will join us in cosponsoring this legislation.