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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | December 6, 2022 10:10 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Perry A. Stambaugh |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Ability to Display the National Motto, “In God We Trust,” in Public Schools (Former HB 928) |
| I will be reintroducing legislation encouraging public schools in the Commonwealth to display our nation’s motto, “In God We Trust,” if they wish to do so. The motto “In God We Trust” is part of the history and heritage of the United States. On April 22, 2014, we celebrated the 150th Anniversary of our national motto “In God We Trust” on our coins. While this phrase was first introduced by Francis Scott Key in 1814 in our national anthem, it was a Pennsylvanian, James Pollock, the 13th Governor of the Commonwealth, who was responsible for suggesting these words be added on our coins during his term as Director of the United States Mint. In April 1864, Congress first approved the use of the motto on United States 2-cent pieces, and the motto has been inscribed on most denominations of coins since 1916. In 1956, the United States Congress adopted “In God We Trust” as the national motto. Starting in 1957, the United States Bureau of Engraving and Printing has gradually incorporated the motto into the design on the reverse of all paper currency. With this rich history in mind, my legislation will allow school districts to display the motto in each school building. Such displays could take the form of mounted plaques or artwork from a student contest, and can be prominently displayed in each school building. This measure has passed the House overwhelmingly in past sessions. Please consider joining me in co-sponsoring this legislation. |
Introduced as HB456