Pennsylvania legislation · 2025-2026 Regular Session
Pennsylvania HR639: A Resolution designating August 15, 2026, as "One Million Degrees Day" in Pennsylvania in recognition of a significant milestone in higher education and its impact on the Commonwealth's workforce, economy and communities.
Status: Passed both chambers, October 20, 2026
What the bill says
A resolution Designating August 15, 2026, as "One Million Degrees Day" in Pennsylvania in recognition of a significant milestone in higher education and its impact on the Commonwealth's workforce, economy and communities.
From the introduced text, September 29, 2026:
A RESOLUTION Designating August 15, 2026, as "One Million Degrees Day" in Pennsylvania in recognition of a significant milestone in higher education and its impact on the Commonwealth's workforce, economy and communities. WHEREAS, Since its founding in 1855, The Pennsylvania State University's (Penn State) enduring promise to provide accessible, world-class education has prepared students to reach their full potential and contribute to Pennsylvania's workforce and economy for more than 170 years; and WHEREAS, Penn State, originally named the Farmers' High School of Pennsylvania, awarded bachelor of scientific agriculture degrees to its first 11 graduates in 1861, with the goal of encouraging the application of science to farming and creating well-rounded citizens; and WHEREAS, Under the 1862 Morrill Land-Grant Act, Penn State was designated as Pennsylvania's sole land-grant university, establishing a long-standing partnership with the Commonwealth that charges Penn State with expanding access to practical education and advancing knowledge in service to the Commonwealth and its citizens; and WHEREAS, Penn State's contributions go beyond the classroom and reach every corner of the Commonwealth as the university generates more than $15.8 billion annually to Pennsylvania's economy, is the eighth largest employer in Pennsylvania and has the largest Statewide footprint of any university in the Big Ten Conference and of any land-grant institution in the nation; and WHEREAS, Students travel from all over …
Sponsors
- Paul Takac (D, 82) · primary sponsor
- Kerry Benninghoff (R, 171)
- Manuel Guzman (D, 127)
- Catherine I Wallen (R, 193)
- Carol Hill-Evans (D, 95)
- Steven Malagari (D, 53)
- Benjamin Sanchez (D, 153)
- Tiburcio, Ana (D, 22)
- Martin Causer (R, 67)
- Dallas Kephart (R, 73)
- Peter Schweyer (D, 134)
- Gary Day (R, 187)
Latest actions
- : (Remarks see House Journal Page ), Oct. 20, 2026
- : Adopted, Oct. 20, 2026 (201-2)
- : Reported as committed, Oct. 6, 2026
- : Referred to EDUCATION, Sept. 29, 2026
Votes
- House Floor: HR639, RC 1545 (October 20, 2026): 201 yea, 2 nay, passed
- House Education: Report Bill As Committed (October 6, 2026): 26 yea, 0 nay, passed
Common questions
- What is HR639?
- HR639 is a bill in the Pennsylvania Legislature (2025-2026 Regular Session): A Resolution designating August 15, 2026, as "One Million Degrees Day" in Pennsylvania in recognition of a significant milestone in higher education and its impact on the Commonwealth's workforce, economy and communities.
- What does HR639 do?
- In its own words: A resolution Designating August 15, 2026, as "One Million Degrees Day" in Pennsylvania in recognition of a significant milestone in higher education and its impact on the Commonwealth's workforce, economy and communities.
- What is the status of HR639?
- Passed both chambers as of October 20, 2026. Latest action: (Remarks see House Journal Page ), Oct. 20, 2026 (October 20, 2026).
- Who sponsored HR639?
- Paul Takac (D, 82), with 11 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for HR639?
- On the Pennsylvania Legislature website: https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/hr639
Source: official Pennsylvania record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.