News Release
For Immediate Release
May 2, 2001
 

Greenleaf Bill of Rights Day Measure Passes Senate

HARRISBURG—A measure offered by Sen. Stewart J. Greenleaf, R-Montgomery/Bucks, to establish Bill of Rights Day as a state holiday on December 15 of each year has been approved by the Senate.

The legislation, which was suggested to the senator by a constituent, would provide for annual recognition of the day that the first ten amendments to the United States Constitution became the law of the land.  Under the proposal, the day would not be considered a legal holiday, such as Veterans Day or Memorial Day, but would make note of a significant event in state and national history.

Senate Bill 230, if also approved in the House of Representatives, would authorize the Governor to issue a proclamation calling on the people of the state to commemorate Bill of Rights Day and the freedoms guaranteed to U.S. citizens with appropriate ceremonies and educational activities.

Three-fourths of the states had ratified the Bill of Rights by December 15, 1791, and thus the United States Constitution gained its first ten amendments on that date.

"Because Pennsylvania was the keystone of the new nation, it is appropriate that the commonwealth notes the momentous event of the ratification," Greenleaf said.  "Passage of this legislation will help in the recognition of an important time in our history and will serve to remind us all, especially school children, of the value of the freedoms we are guaranteed in the Bill of Rights."