2025 House Resolution 74

Whereas, The ability to read and write is a fundamental aspect of American society and culture; and

Whereas, A 2024 study has shown that writing down information, as opposed to typing information, leads to better overall brain connectivity and memory, especially for school-age children; and

Whereas, Ensuring students have access to writing education will enhance their literacy skills, support their academic achievement, and preserve an essential mode of written communication for future generations; and

Whereas, Handwriting is recognized by educators throughout the world as an important component of a child’s education; and

Whereas, In addition to the importance of writing education, research has shown that learning cursive writing enhances cognitive development and improves fine motor skills, which supports both reading comprehension and written communication; and

Whereas, The ability to write a cursive signature is needed on many documents, including mortgages, student loans, checks, deeds, titles, and more; and

Whereas, The founding documents of our great nation, including the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution, and the Bill of Rights, are written in cursive; and

Whereas, John Hancock, a great patriot from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, served as President of the Continental Congress (1775–1777) and Governor of Massachusetts (1780–1785) and, in 1776 became the first to sign the Declaration of Independence, leaving a large and prominent signature that made “John Hancock” synonymous with handwritten signatures and the importance of penmanship in American history; and

Whereas, The date of Hancock’s birth, January 23, 1737, has been recognized as National Handwriting Day since 1977, as first promoted by the Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association to honor the enduring significance of handwriting in civic life; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare April 2025 as Handwriting Month in the state of Michigan. We strongly support the ability of all children to perform their own research, read, and write.