CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A bill that would require public schools and institutions of higher education in West Virginia to display the official motto of the United States within facilities has passed in the Senate.
Senate Bill 251, introduced by Senator Mike Azinger (R-Wood), would mandate that a public elementary or secondary school or a state institution of higher education display in a conspicuous place in each building of the school or institution, the official motto of the United States.
Sen. Azinger rose to speak in favor of the bill and why he thinks this is a good idea for the state.
“There’s a lot of kids that have problems at home, tough times at home that we don’t know anything about,” Azinger said. “Maybe they’ll look up one day and see “In God We Trust” and know they can put their hope in God.”
The bill states that the United States’ official motto, “In God We Trust” must be posted on a durable poster or framed copy.
The poster or framed copy must also contain a representation of the United States flag centered under the national motto along with a representation of the West Virginia state flag.
The poster or framed copy may be donated for display or purchased from private donations and made available to the school or institution.
The bill passed through the Senate on a 32-0 vote with two members absent. Senate Bill 251 now goes to the House of Delegates for consideration.