Solomon, Gleim Legislation Asks Students ‘What is Your Pennsylvania Story?’

Rep. Jared G. Solomon July 1, 2025 | 10:48 AM

Bipartisan legislation authored by state Reps. Jared Solomon, D-Phila., and Barb Gleim, R-Cumberland, to engage Pennsylvania students in the state’s history and the role they play in it overwhelmingly passed the House Monday.

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 upcoming semi-quincentennial. The bill would require the Department of Education to develop materials that a school entity may incorporate into social studies instruction.

“House Bill 354 would essentially ask our young people to consider how they would answer the question ‘What Is Your Pennsylvania Story?’” Solomon said. “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.”

“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.”

The bill now goes to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s desk for his signature.

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