House Tourism Committee unanimously reports resolutions honoring Dominican Independence Day, St. Patrick’s Day and Black History Month
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Summary
The committee unanimously passed three ceremonial resolutions—HR 387 recognizing Dominican Republic Independence Day (Feb. 27, 2026), HR 395 recognizing St. Patrick’s Day (March 17, 2026), and HR 401 recognizing Black History Month (February 2026)—and will report them as committed.
The House Tourism, Recreation, and Economic Development Committee unanimously approved three ceremonial resolutions on Feb. 2, 2026 recognizing cultural observances that committee members said support tourism and local economies.
Representative Sapita Freitas presented House Resolution 387, which recognizes Feb. 27, 2026 as Dominican Republic Independence Day in Pennsylvania. Freitas, speaking as a Dominican American, said the resolution honors Dominican cultural contributions and noted that Dominican festivals and traditions "activate our cities and towns, drawing residents and visitors alike" and support small, family-owned businesses and hospitality workers. She invited colleagues to a Feb. 27 celebration at 1 p.m. in the main rotunda.
Committee staff described House Resolution 395 as recognizing March 17, 2026 as St. Patrick’s Day in Pennsylvania and celebrating Irish American contributions to the nation’s founding. House Resolution 401 was summarized as declaring February 2026 Black History Month in Pennsylvania and celebrating a century of contributions by African Americans to the commonwealth and nation.
Chairwoman Daly called the roll on the three resolutions; there were no negative votes and the committee reported HR 387, HR 395 and HR 401 as committed. Committee staff indicated these resolutions do not require funding or create new programs and were presented as acknowledgments of history and cultural contribution.
