Our nation's founders recognized the enduring health of this republic depends upon an informed citizenry with access to essential information about its government and the communities, nation and world.

The right to free speech and a free press, as proclaimed in the First Amendment, are treasured principles upon which Pennsylvania and America have thrived. Additionally, our commonwealth holds a prominent role in the history of both our nation and the newspaper industry through the Pennsylvania Gazette, published by Founding Father Benjamin Franklin, which helped to shape the political and cultural landscape of the American colonies.

Pennsylvania newspapers have evolved through the centuries to meet the changing needs and challenges of a diverse population while fulfilling their vital role as a pillar of our democracy applying the highest standards of journalism and public service, accuracy and fairness.

For this reason, I plan to introduce a resolution that would congratulate the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association and its membership and affiliates and designate Oct. 5-11, 2025, as National Newspaper Week in Pennsylvania.

I hope you will join me in cosponsoring this resolution.