Pennsylvania Students Lobby to Make Hershey’s Kiss the Official State Candy — and Are Convincing Legislators
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A project initially undertaken in a classroom to educate students about the process of creating legislation is now progressing through Pennsylvania’s General Assembly, which is controlled by Republicans. The Senate committee has taken a step forward by endorsing a proposal to designate Hershey’s Kiss as the official candy of Pennsylvania.
With a vote of 10-1, the Senate State Government Committee, consisting of 11 members, has decided to pass the bill, which was authored by Senator Maria Collett from Montgomery. The bill, which spans three pages, highlights the Pennsylvania heritage of the Hershey Company and emphasizes the distinctive shape of the candy.
Collett expressed, "The significance of Hershey Kisses in our state’s history is undeniable. Hence, it is appropriate for this delightful treat to be recognized as the official candy of our state."
A group of high school students from Bucks County, who actively advocated for the Hershey’s Kiss to be designated as Pennsylvania’s official candy, were present during the Senate State Government Committee hearing on April 6, 2022. They had initiated this project during their time in middle school and have continued their efforts into high school. Although they were not directly involved in the legislative process, they attended the committee meeting to observe the outcome.
Collett’s proposal closely aligns with a bill introduced by Representative Tom Mehaffie from Dauphin County last year. The Bucks County students’ lobbying prompted Mehaffie to pursue this legislation. As Collett reiterates, "These students are the true architects and advocates of this legislation. Their dedication to research and lobbying is admirable, particularly during a time when civic education is urgently needed."
Senator Dan Laughlin from Erie was the lone dissenting voice in the panel, citing his representation of three chocolatiers and his desire to further deliberate on the selection of Pennsylvania’s official candy.
Senator Kristin Phillips-Hill from York supported Collett’s proposal and put forward the York Peppermint Pattie as an alternative option for consideration.
Pennsylvania Capital-Star, a part of the States Newsroom network, is supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Pennsylvania Capital-Star maintains its editorial independence. Contact Editor John Micek for any queries: info@penncapital-star.com. Stay updated by following Pennsylvania Capital-Star on Facebook and Twitter.
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