Pennsylvania Considers Changing Its Flag

(Nov. 23) - The Pennsylvania flag is so obscure that many people in the state cannot identify it, says Democratic State Rep. Tim Solobay. He wants to add the words "Commonwealth of Pennsylvania" to the 100-year-old flag.

And he's not the only one. Solobay submitted a proposal for the change that House lawmakers passed in June by a vote of 164-31. The Senate committee is now considering the bill, Foxnews.com reports.

Others in the state have criticized the idea of altering the traditional flag. Former teacher Peter Malichock Jr., calls it "outrageous," according to Fox.

"They are dumbing down the flag because they are making it easier for people to identify it," he said. Others have said replacing all the flags would be too costly.

Solobay has defended his proposal by saying that not all flags would need to be replaced. As new flags are made, a statement by his office said, the updated design would be phased in. In the new version, the words "Commonwealth of" would appear above the coat of arms along with "Pennsylvania" below it, all in yellow silk block letters.

Of the 50 states, 28 include the name or initials of the state on their flags, making them easy to identify.