Ciresi legislation to replace state song adopted by PA House

Aresolution (H.R. 41) sponsored by State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, to replace the state song was adopted by the House this afternoon.

“The problem is this: most Pennsylvanians don’t know we have a state song, but they’ll probably recognize the state songs of Georgia, West Virginia, or New York,” Ciresi said. “State symbols are supposed to bring us together and be part of our identity. We should have a state song that everyone knows and loves because it reflects who we are as a people, and it should work to represent and market Pennsylvania and help bring in tourism.”

In 1990, the state legislature adopted the current state song, “Pennsylvania,” by Eddie Khoury and Ronnie Bonner. State law establishes this as Pennsylvania’s official song for all public purposes, and the song is often performed at public events, such as gubernatorial inaugurations.

“I’m very glad that my colleagues on both sides of the aisle voted to pass this resolution. We need a song that we take pride in singing because it reflects our pride in Pennsylvania, the cradle of liberty and home to today’s dynamic industries and diverse communities,” Ciresi said.

The resolution will establish an independ- ent commission to study the history of the state song, solicit submissions from the public, and recommend changes to the state song. The legislature will then have the option of passing leg- islation to change the state song based on the commission’s

Hanbidge bill to strengthen menopause education among aging women passes House

State Rep. Liz Hanbidge’s legislation that would empower women to enter their menopausal transition more mentally and physically prepared passed the House today.

House Bill 807 would establish partnerships between the Department of Health and medical providers to educate women on the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, the biological changes behind the processes and how to talk to family and friends about the processes.

“By equipping women with knowledge about menopause, and subsequently their own, changing bodies, we honor their journey, celebrate their resilience, and unleash their potential to embrace this transformative phase with grace and confidence," Hanbidge said. “Empowering women to have conversations about menopause with medical pro- fessionals and their loved ones can help destigmatize this natural process. Free and open dialogues are essential in any branch of health.”

Hanbidge noted the importance of this bill, as about one third of American women reported feeling there was not enough perimenopause and menopause information available to them before they underwent this natural progression. Furthermore, the annual cost of lost work days in the United States related to menopause symptoms is $1.8 billion, and the annual medical costs associated with menopause symptoms are $26.6 billion – according to Mayo Clinic.

“When working women face unexpected medical issues, it can negatively impact their careers. However, with the knowledge of what’s going on with their own bodies and how to address or cope with any difficulties that may come with menopause, they’re better equipped to stay in the workforce,” Hanbidge said. “Education on menopause would not only help people going through this process, but could help our economy. Women ages 45 to 54 make up 20% of our workforce, we need to ensure they’re supported every way we can.”

H.B. 807 will now head to the Senate for consideration.