Pennsylvania lawmakers narrowly passed a resolution recognizing 2023 as the “Taylor Swift era” in their home state.
Swift, 34, spent the first 13 years of her life on a farm in Wyomissing – and lawmakers pointed to that legacy Wednesday when they approved the proposal by a vote of 103-100.
The unprecedented plan is somewhat controversial and touts Swift's “movement beyond the role of pop star” and recognizes her achievements over the past year – including being named TIME Person of the Year.
Most Republicans voted against the honor measure, as did some Democrats, even though it was introduced by eight progressives in Pennsylvania on Wednesday night.
An hours-long argument ultimately ensued over whether 2023 should be recognized as the year of the pop star – with claims praising her positive impact on Pennsylvania's economy and voter registration numbers quickly proven true.
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Pennsylvania lawmakers narrowly passed a resolution Wednesday recognizing 2023 as the “Taylor Swift era” in their home state
Lawmakers in the notorious swing state passed the resolution by a vote of 103-100 after heated arguments in which several questioned the legitimacy of the proposal. Largely volunteer, it touts Swift's positive impact on her home state's economy and voter registration numbers
Shortly before it passed, Speaker Joanna McClinton, a Democrat from Philadelphia, defiantly delivered her own interpretation of the lyrics to Swift's track “Shake It Off,” telling those who planned to vote against it: “Haters gonna hate, hate, hate.” 'Hate, hate.'
Republican Rep. Stephanie Borowicz responded by asking what the guidelines actually mean before calling them an empty gesture from the progressive left.
“What a joke by the State House Assembly of Pennsylvania,” Borowicz said of the proposal, which narrowly passed after some back and forth.
“However, this is the Democratic Party that idolizes Hollywood,” the lawmaker continued. “We’re giving Taylor Swift an era while our veterans get a day.”
Rep. Russ Diamond, another Republican, was even more blunt in his remarks, reminding the more than 200 lawmakers of how Swift broke up with her home state when she moved to Tennessee to pursue her singing career.
The 60-year-old conservative used another of Swift's lyrics to illustrate his point, simply declaring, “We will never get back together.”
Such taunts prompted Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz — a Democrat who voted for it — to jokingly point out, “I really love that we can have fun while we work!”
When it came to the vote, House Resolution 282 passed by a narrow margin – 103 votes in favor and 100 against.
Shortly before it passed, Speaker Joanna McClinton, a Democrat from Philadelphia, defiantly delivered her own interpretation of the lyrics to Swift's track “Shake It Off,” telling those who planned to vote against it: “Haters gonna hate, hate, hate.” 'Hate, hate'
Republican Wendy Fink was among the 100 opponents as some cited that Swift broke up with her home state when she moved to Tennessee at age 13 to pursue her singing career
Clerk Michelle Martin opened the discussion and asked the House to approve the resolution – and that it “recognize 2023 as the Taylor Swift era in Pennsylvania.”
Swift, 34, spent the first 13 years of her life in this Wyomissing farmhouse — and officials referenced that legacy in approving the proposal Wednesday
The pop megastar, whose massive tour earned her billionaire status this year, beat out Vladimir Putin, Barbie and Sam Altman for TIME Person of the Year honors earlier this month
Meanwhile, Legislative Clerk Michelle Martin opened the discussion and called on the House to approve the resolution and “recognize 2023 as the Taylor Swift era in Pennsylvania.”
The language used in the legislative measure would continue to highlight the pop star as a “role model” who “brings joy to a society that desperately needs it” while also outlining how Swift has boosted the local economy during her tour stops in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.
Swift's impact as a woman was also a selling point – she recognized her “unique economic and cultural influence” as evidence of “the power of female agency, female ideas, female art and a distinctly female narrative.”
Swift also urged fans to vote during the August election, which led to record numbers of registrations after previously sparking some outrage from Republicans who felt the musician was using her star power unfairly.
The resolution goes on to say that the megastar, whose massive tour this year catapulted her to billionaire status, beat out the likes of Vladimir Putin, Barbie and Sam Altman for TIME Person of the Year honors this month: “Ms. Swift shines as a role model of courage, self-acceptance and self-determination, persevering despite personal and professional obstacles and challenges.”
'[We are] [r]Recognizing 2023 as the “Taylor Swift Era” in Pennsylvania, celebrating Ms. Swift's recent election as TIME Magazine's 2023 Person of the Year and recognizing her positive impact on the economy, voter registration numbers, consumer protection and the workforce in Pennsylvania practices,” it continues.
Swift's influence as a woman was also a selling point – the resolution recognized her “unique economic and cultural influence” as evidence of “the power of female agency, female ideas, female art and a distinctly female narrative.” Swift can be seen on her Eras tour in May in Nashville – where she moved as a teenager after leaving Pennsylvania
On the night the Pennsylvania proposal passed – which also happened to be Swift's 34th birthday – the singer celebrated with several other celebrities, including Gigi Hadid, Blake Lively and Miles Teller, in New York City and was pictured with her in one Post pictured on her Instagram
Swift was spotted outside an SNL afterparty with boyfriend Tavis Kelce on October 15. She was born in West Reading, Pennsylvania in 1989. When she was a teenager, her parents sold the family farm to move to Hendersonville – near Nashville – so she could pursue a career in country music. A year later, Swift signed a contract with Sony/ATV as a songwriter
Today she is reportedly worth $1.1 billion – much of which was amassed just this year
After its passage, Democratic Rep. Maureen Madden of Monroe County, a proud supporter of the measure, expressed her appreciation for how Swift has pushed younger Americans to become politically active.
“I turn 64 today and I'm thinking about who will carry on our legacy.” “She's not popular because she writes breakup songs,” Madden said on the House floor.
“She is popular because the largest demographic of eligible voters, 18- to 24-year-olds, listen to her and do what she says.”
Meanwhile, Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell issued a proclamation back in May “recognizing Taylor Swift's homecoming weekend” as she arrived in the city for her Eras Tour stop – her other so-called hometown after moving earlier in the year 2003.
In addition to the proclamation, the city also placed a bench in her name in Centennial Park with the inscription: “For Taylor Swift.” A bench for reading in Centennial Park. Welcome home, Nashville.'
On the night the Pennsylvania proposal passed – which also happened to be Swift's 34th birthday – the singer celebrated with several other celebrities, including Gigi Hadid, Blake Lively and Miles Teller, in New York City and was pictured with her in one Post pictured on her Instagram.
The post did not mention the newly passed resolution, but she recalled the various accomplishments she had achieved over the past 12 months.
It read: “I can't believe something…actually…happened this year? Thank you for all your lovely birthday wishes.”
Swift was born in West Reading, Pennsylvania in 1989. When she was a teenager, her parents sold the family farm to move to Hendersonville – near Nashville – so she could pursue a career in country music.
A year later, Swift signed a contract with Sony/ATV as a songwriter. Today she is reportedly worth $1.1 billion.