Taylor Swift's record-breaking Eras Tour stopped in both Philadelphia and Pittsburgh and noticeably boosted the economy there. So finally, it seems, Pennsylvania—or, to some, known as the "Birthplace of Taylor Swift"—is finally ready to give back to the pop star who has given it so much. On Swift's 34th birthday, December 13, a resolution was passed to recognize 2023 as the "Taylor Swift Era" in Pennsylvania.
It was a close call, with the motion winning 103 - 100. (Most of those not in favor were Republicans, as well as a few Democrats, if you're curious.)
The arguments for this resolution were the huge impact Swift has had on Pennsylvania: her Eras Tour stops in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh not only upped spending in those cities. but additionally, at each stop, Swift donated proceeds to hunger relief organizations.
Her biggest impact in the eyes of legislators was how she encouraged young voters to register to vote. Representative Maureen Madden of Monroe County was particularly vocal about Swift's impact in this regard, and found it more relevant than ever with the current political climate for women.
“I turn 64 years old today, and I think about who’s going to carry on our legacy," she said on the House floor. "She’s not popular because she writes breakup songs. She’s popular because the largest demographic of people eligible to vote, the 18- to 24-year-old demographic, listens to her and does what she says.”
Those not in favor of this decision mainly found it trivial or pandering to Hollywood. Additionally, some members focused on how Swift left Pennsylvania to pursue her music career in Tennessee.
Perhaps the most entertaining part of this hearing is how many speakers used Swift's lyrics in debating their side. For example, Representative Joanna McClinton shut someone down by quoting iconic lyrics from "Shake It Off," saying "Haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate." (You cannot make this up.)
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
You tell 'em, Representative McClinton!
For the opposition, Representative Russ Diamond used the lyric (and song title) "We Are Never, Ever Getting Back Together" to remind others of how Swift supposedly broke up with her home state when she moved to Tennessee for her music.
Pennsylvania joins the rest of the world is in its "Taylor Swift Era," as she is Spotify's Global Artist of the Year, TIME'S Person of the Year, and a regular NFL fixture, so it was about time that somewhere cemented this title. Well done, Pennsylvania!
Fleurine Tideman is a freelance writer who is always ready to discuss celebrities, entertainment, mental health, relationships and anything else her busy brain comes up with. She comes from the small, rainy land of the Netherlands, but she uses the flexibility of her work to travel around Europe and explore new places. She spent several years working in the travel industry, which taught her how to fit insane amounts in her hand luggage. She has a degree in Psychology and Anthropology, which she uses to psychoanalyse herself and others. She’s a regular contributor for Betches, and you can also find her work on Pop Sugar, Insider, Time Out or her own blog, Symptoms of Living. At Marie Claire, she’ll be covering celebrity news, usually written to the sounds of Taylor Swift.
-
Lily Allen Resented Elton John for Years, But There Are No Hard Feelings Now
This is too funny.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Hilary Duff Welcomes 3rd Child With Husband Matthew Koma
Townes is her fourth child overall.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Upgrade Your Vacation Wardrobe With Summer Staples From Shopbop and Nordstrom Rack
Next stop: The airport.
By Julia Marzovilla Published
-
Travis Kelce Just Became the NFL's Highest Paid Tight End
He's thriving.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Charlie Puth Responds to Taylor Swift's 'The Tortured Poets Department' Callout
Swift thinks Puth "should be a bigger artist."
By Meghan De Maria Published
-
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Have Supposedly Further "Deepened Their Bond" Recently
Swift is reportedly "sad" she'll be leaving Kelce to go on tour in Europe.
By Meghan De Maria Published
-
Joe Alwyn Is "Dating and Happy" a Year On From Taylor Swift Breakup: Source
He has no hard feelings.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Taylor Swift Is "Floored" by the Success of Her New Album
She can't believe it.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Taylor Swift “Wants a Happy Ending” with Travis Kelce, and Hopes “He Doesn’t Get Freaked Out About the Fame”
The couple just returned from a private couples’ getaway with friends Gigi Hadid and Bradley Cooper.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Kim Kardashian Posts Photo With Karlie Kloss, Taylor Swift Fans Think It's a Diss
Hmmmmm.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Matty Healy Has "Respectful" Reaction to Taylor Swift "Diss Track" About Him
Fans were impressed with him.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published