1Designating the month of July 2014 as "Free Community Paper
2Month" in Pennsylvania.

3WHEREAS, The statement made by Thomas Jefferson to John Jay
4in 1786 still rings true today, "Our liberty cannot be guarded
5but by the freedom of the press, nor that be limited without
6danger of losing it"; and

7WHEREAS, The publishing industry of free community papers and
8newspapers, made up of both small and large organizations, is an
9important element in local communities throughout this nation;
10and

11WHEREAS, Collectively, free community papers and newspapers
12disseminate valuable information to more than 50 million homes
13each week; and

14WHEREAS, These hometown publications are the original and
15enduring hyper local medium, carrying the torch of democracy as
16the town crier, fixed in print and shared with neighbors free of

1charge; and

2WHEREAS, Free community papers proudly serve the information
3needs of their communities across this great land, while
4promoting local commerce, free enterprise and public service;
5and

6WHEREAS, It is fitting that recognition be given to these
7publications, their owners and staff for their continued
8contributions to the growth and success of local communities;
9therefore be it

10RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives designate the
11month of July 2014 as "Free Community Paper Month" in
12Pennsylvania and encourage all Pennsylvanians to observe this
13month by taking time to read, recognize and acknowledge the
14importance of free community papers.