HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania public school districts would be required to post “In God We Trust” in every school building under legislation that advanced out of a committee in the state House of Representatives this week.

The bill sponsored by Rep. Rick Saccone, R-Allegheny, passed the House Education Committee on Wednesday by a 14-to-9 vote.

The National Motto Display Act, as it is titled, credits James Pollock, a 19th century Pennsylvania governor, for putting the term on coins while serving as director of the U.S. Mint

“This isn't about evangelizing,” Saccone said. “This is about celebrating our national motto.”

“In God We Trust” became the national motto under a 1956 law signed by President Dwight Eisenhower.

Janice Rael, vice president of the Delaware Valley chapter of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, said the proposal promotes religion. She opposes the proposal.

“The last time I checked, God was religious,” Rael said. “The government should be neutral, and with this legislation the government is not neutral, the government is taking a position.”

PITTSBURGH — A federal judge has scheduled a Nov. 12 hearing on the Roman Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh's challenge to looming federal health care reforms requiring contraceptive and abortion coverage in employee health plans.U.S. District Judge Arthur Schwab on Thursday told attorneys for the diocese and the Justice Department that he wants to hear testimony about what happens if the church and its related entities, including Catholic Charities, don't abide by the mandates.The Justice Department contends the church, itself, is exempt and that its charitable affiliates can be accommodated so they don't have to pay for the coverage. But church attorneys argue it would violate their beliefs if the church or its affiliates play even an indirect role in providing such coverage for employees.

GETTYSBURG — Gov. Tom Corbett plans to attend next month’s ceremony marking the 150th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, but there’s still no word on whether President Barack Obama will participate.Nov. 19 is the sesquicentennial of Lincoln’s speech at Gettysburg National Military Park. That’s also the day that marks the dedication of the national cemetery where more than 3,500 Union soldiers killed in the Battle of Gettysburg are buried.Park officials say the president has been invited.