CT Lawmakers applaud President Obama’s signature of historic coin bill

WASHINGTON – Senators Joseph I. Lieberman and Richard Blumenthal joined Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01) today to applaud President Barack Obama’s signing of the “The Mark Twain Commemorative Coin Act” into law last night. The bill, introduced by Congressman Larson in 2010, and sponsored by Senators Lieberman and Blumenthal, will create $1 and $5 coins that will honor Twain’s legacy and fund institutions that honor his legacy such as the Mark Twain House and Museum in Hartford.

“Mark Twain was one of the world’s greatest writers and holds a unique place in the telling of America’s story,” Congressman Larson said. “We in Connecticut are proud to have been able to call Twain one of our own and institutions such as the Mark Twain House and Museum in Hartford do a terrific job in highlighting his life and work. These coins will reintroduce Twain to a new generation and help ensure that his work is never forgotten.”

“Mark Twain contributed to the spirit of our great nation, and just like the Mark Twain House and the historic Nook Farm neighborhood, these commemorative coins will keep the spirit alive for generations to come,” said Senator Lieberman.  “Like many American boys and girls, I grew up reading about Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer, and I'm so proud to contribute to the preservation of the legacy of this great literary figure."

"Mark Twain is an American legend and deserves to have his legacy preserved and protected for years to come. I was proud to honor his great work by introducing the Mark Twain Commemorative Coin Act with my Connecticut colleagues. I wish to thank Congressman Larson in particular for his leadership on this historic piece of legislation, and President Obama for signing the bill into law today in support of the history of our great state."

The coins are scheduled to go into circulation in 2016 and will feature a gold $5 coin and $1 silver coin featuring Twain’s likeness.

"The signing of the Mark Twain Commemorative Coin Act is an affirmation of the great regard in which Mark Twain is held in the hearts of all Americans,” said Patti Phillippon, Interim Executive Director of The Mark Twain House & Museum We are greatly pleased that this honor will enable us to continue to preserve his legacy for our many visitors and friends. We particularly want to thank Representative Larson, who with Representative Luetkemeyer of Missouri was co-sponsor of this bill in the House, and the hard work of the Senate sponsor, Dick Blumenthal, and his colleague Senator Joe Lieberman.”