West Central PA News

Legislation sponsored by Senator Cris Dush has been approved by the Pennsylvania Senate, allowing public schools to display the preambles of both the state and federal constitutions. The legislation comprises two bills: Senate Bill 353 for the state constitution and Senate Bill 456 for the federal constitution.

Senator Dush emphasized the importance of constitutional republics, stating, "Constitutional Republics are unique throughout world history." He added that his legislation aims to restore Pennsylvania school districts' right to display these preambles in every taxpayer-funded school building if they choose.

The bills propose that each preamble can be displayed as mounted plaques or artwork created through student contests. These displays would be placed prominently in educational facilities funded by Commonwealth tax dollars.

Dush expressed concerns about current educational trends, saying, "Sadly, due largely to woke indoctrination running rampant in some classrooms... we are moving dangerously close to the point where our commonwealth’s official motto of ‘Virtue, Liberty and Independence’ will be permanently shelved from public discourse and collective understanding."

He hopes that displaying these preambles will remind students of their role in a constitutional republic. "It is my prayer that these preamble displays will serve as a daily reminder to students preparing to take their place in our constitutional republic," Dush said.

The legislation now moves to the Pennsylvania House for further consideration. Dush highlighted the significance of the phrase "We the People" found in both constitutions' preambles. He stated, "This timeless, three-word phrase remains foundational to America’s unrivaled, government-limiting franchise."

For more information, contact Ty McCauslin at 717-787-7084 or tmccauslin@pasen.gov.