Jul. 01, 2025
HARRISBURG - Encouraging Pennsylvania students to more actively examine their role in our state’s past, present and future is the subject of legislation co-authored by state Reps. Barb Gleim (R-Cumberland) and Jared Solomon (D-Philadelphia) that was passed overwhelmingly on Monday by the state House.
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House Bill 354 would essentially ask our young people to consider how they would answer the question ‘What Is Your Pennsylvania Story?’” said Solomon. “The legislation would require the Department of Education to establish guidelines and develop materials which teachers may use to encourage students to share their personal experiences and connections to both Pennsylvania and the United States.”
House Bill 354 would create the “What’s Your Pennsylvania Story” Act to celebrate the unique lived experiences of Pennsylvania students and their families in anticipation of the country’s upcoming semi-quincentennial. The bill would require the Department of Education to develop materials that a school entity may incorporate into social studies instruction.
“Our legislation would provide an excellent opportunity to plant seeds for the future as we prepare to celebrate our country’s 250th anniversary in 2026,” Gleim added. “Inspiring our young people to research their past and realize the important role they will play in shaping the years ahead is a great way to grow and enrich both our state and our country.”
House Bill 354 now goes to the state Senate for consideration.
Representative Barb Gleim
199th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Scott Little
717-260-6137
slittle@pahousegop.com
RepGleim.com