Democrat-led Pennsylvania House passes resolution naming 2023 the 'Taylor Swift Era'

The Pennsylvania legislature passed a resolution making 2023 the "Taylor Swift Era" in the Keystone State. Sponsored by Democratic state Rep. Danielle Otten, a vote passed the resolution 103 to 100 on Dec. 13, the pop star's 34th birthday.  

During proceedings Dec. 13 of the Penn. House assembly, House Speaker Joanna McClinton introduced the resolution and Legislative clerk Michelle Martin read a summary of its text, saying, "A resolution recognizing the year 2023 as the Taylor Swift Era in Pennsylvania." 

After the floor was opened up for commentary on the resolution, multiple state representatives on the floor had things to say concerning the proposal.  

Otten, the sponsor of the resolution, told Speaker McClinton she would submit her comments in written form "in the interest of time." 

Republican Rep. Wendy Fink, immediately following Otten, then made several points related to the resolution.  

"Many of you know my stance on house resolutions," Fink said. "[W]e do not need to be wasting taxpayer money on them."  

"Yesterday we spent about 15 minutes discussing why we should recognize 2023 as the 'Taylor Swift Era' in Pennsylvania," Fink added. "We don't even have a completed budget - which was due on June 30." 

"I urge no vote on this resolution and get back to actually governing," Fink concluded.  

McClinton responded to Fink's comments saying, "For the member's information, house resolutions are legislation.  

"And apparently, 'The haters gonna hate hate hate hate hate,'" McClinton said, quoting one of Swift's songs to the cheers of others in the room.  

Other members of the chamber criticized the resolution. Republican Rep. Stephanie Borowicz took the floor to add to the mix of comments.

"What a joke of the state house assembly of Pennsylvania," Borowicz added. "The is the Democrat Party though. Idolizing Hollywood." 

McClinton cut off Borowicz for making "disparagements" against other members and not keeping comment on the topic of the resolution. Other house members then criticized McClinton for calling Rep. Fink a "hater" in response.  

McClinton allowed Borowicz to proceed with her comments. 

"Giving Taylor Swift an era while our veterans get a day. Taking down our founding fathers' statues while elevating a Hollywood singer," Borowicz continued. "I'm a no, thank you Madam Speaker." 

Some of the Democrats then added their thoughts.  

Democratic Rep. Jessica Benham quoted Swift's "Love Story" saying that the legislative body should "just say yes" to the resolution.  

Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, a Democrat from Berks County, then took the floor to submit her comments with her notes.  

Although while submitting her comments, Cepeda-Freytiz added, "I do want to say something though. I really love that we can have fun while we work, so thank you for that." 

Along with her musical achievements and other accolades, the resolution credits Swift with a "rise in power and prominence" that "coincides with the elections of the first female President pro tempore of the Senate, the first female Speaker of the House of Representatives, the first female Mayor of Philadelphia and the first female Allegheny County Executive." 

Most Republicans voted against the measure along with some Democrat lawmakers, according to the Daily Mail. Democrats hold the majority in the chamber with 102 seats to the Republicans' 101.