Dupage Policy Journal

State Representative Amy Grant (R-Wheaton) has announced the House passage of Senate Bill 3514, which designates the Calvatia Gigantea, or "Giant Puffball," as the official state mushroom of Illinois. The bill, developed with the help of students from the Prairie School of DuPage, now awaits the Governor's signature to become law.

Students from the Prairie School in Wheaton participated in a mock legislative process to determine an appropriate mushroom to represent Illinois. Since November, they gathered data, surveyed residents, and held a school-wide vote that resulted in selecting the Giant Puffball.

Representative Amy Grant co-sponsored the bill in the House. "I am excited to see this bill move to the Governor’s desk," said Rep. Grant. "The students’ efforts are inspiring, and I look forward to the Giant Puffball becoming our state mushroom."

"I am so proud of these students for their dedication and hard work on this creative and fun project to teach the ways of the general assembly and government," added Rep. Grant. "Their parents and families should be in awe of these students’ commitment to this real-world learning experience."

The students traveled to Springfield to support the bill when it was first introduced to the Senate State Government Committee. They presented 174 witness slips in favor of the bill, filed by students, parents, and supporters.

This initiative began as a class discussion but evolved into a significant educational experience, demonstrating how young voices can influence state policies.

For more information, contact State Representative Amy Grant’s District Office at 331-218-4182.

State Representative Amy Grant is currently serving her third term in Illinois' General Assembly. The 47th district includes several communities in DuPage County such as Naperville, Warrenville, Glen Ellyn, Wheaton, Lisle, Carol Stream, Bartlett, West Chicago, Winfield, and Wayne.