What is Pennsylvania's state song? Rep. looks to nominate new music with bill
It's true – the state song is 'Pennsylvania' by Eddie Khoury and Ronnie Bonner, which was adopted in 1990. State law established that song as the official song of the Commonwealth for all public purposes, and the music is often performed at public events.
Now, State Representative Joe Ciresi (D – Montgomery) is looking to change the song with his new legislation. Ciresi argued that it has been more than three decades since the state song was adopted and that it is time to consider updating the music to better 'embody the spirit of our great state.'
'State symbols bring us together,' The legislation reads. '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.'
Ciresi's legislation is a re-introduction of a resolution that looks to establish an independent commission to study the history of the state song, solicit submissions from the public and recommend changes to the state song. Legislators would then have the option of passing the change based on the commission's recommendation.
Previously, in February, Senator Judith Schwank (D – Berks), introduced a bill that aimed to change the state song from the aforementioned 'Pennsylvania' to 'My Pennsylvania Home' by David Kline. Schwank noted in her legislation that Kline, a born and raised Pennsylvanian composer, has served as an international music ambassador for Pennsylvania for more than three decades.
Ciresi's bipartisan legislation is co-sponsored by eight other Pennsylvania House Representatives.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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