SRC-JEC S.C.R. 29 78(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   S.C.R. 29
78R6909 LK-DBy: Staples
State Affairs
4/8/2003
As Filed


DIGEST

The motto, "In God We Trust," has a longstanding history in the United
States dating back to the Civil War when it began appearing on U.S.
currency in response to popular demand; having been formally adopted as
the national motto by Congress in 1956, it has withstood numerous
constitutional challenges.  Various courts have found that the display of
the national motto fosters patriotism, exemplifies our country's religious
heritage, and expresses confidence in the future.  The national motto is
prominently engraved in the wall above the speaker's dias in the chamber
of the United States House of Representatives, appears over the entrance
to the chamber of the United States Senate, and is depicted on all United
States coins and currency.  The U.S. House of Representatives recently
passed a unanimous resolution stating that schools across the nation may
display "God Bless America!" as a show of support for the nation; the
national motto, "In God We Trust," is an additional symbol of our country
that has been recognized as promoting a sense of patriotism and pride and
that does not have the primary effect of advancing religion.  The United
States has experienced a recent upsurge in patriotism all across the
nation and during these difficult and demanding times, it is fitting and
proper to display the national motto as a reminder to the American people
of the ideals we historically have held dear as a nation. 

PURPOSE 

As proposed, S.C.R. 29 submits the following resolution:  The 78th
Legislature of the State of Texas hereby expresses its support for the
posting and displaying of our nation's motto, "In God We Trust," in state
offices and agencies, local government offices, and school districts.