Dupage Policy Journal

Legislation sponsored by State Senator Seth Lewis (R-Bartlett) to designate an official state mushroom has advanced to the Governor’s desk for final action after receiving widespread bipartisan support in both chambers of the General Assembly.

Senate Bill 3514 proposes that the Calvatia Gigantea, or “Giant Puffball,” be officially designated as Illinois’ state mushroom. The idea for this bill originated from 3rd through 5th grade students at Prairie School of DuPage, a private school in Wheaton that emphasizes environmental education for pre-K through 8th grade students.

“I visited with the students last fall, and they expressed their interest in Illinois having a state mushroom,” said Lewis. “They explained how they collected qualitative and quantitative data and surveyed large groups of people. They also outlined how they narrowed the field of finalists through an election process and ultimately came to consensus that the Calvatia Gigantea should be this state’s newest symbol. I was impressed with the depth of their research, and it was a pleasure to carry SB 3514 on their behalf.”

When the bill was presented before the Senate State Government Committee in early March, 25 students from Prairie School joined Lewis for the presentation, with one student and one teacher offering testimony. The committee unanimously recommended approval. SB 3514 then passed unanimously on the Senate floor on April 10.

State Representative Michelle Mussman (D-Schaumburg), who served as Chief Sponsor of the bill in the House, expressed satisfaction with bringing the legislation to completion following its passage in the Senate.

“This was such a valuable learning experience for these students,” said Mussman. “Well beyond their research on mushrooms found in Illinois, these scholars received hands-on experience in how the legislative process works in Springfield. They saw firsthand how an idea can be shaped into a bill and how that bill can be debated and ultimately become a law. As a result of their efforts, they will forever have a place in Illinois history.”

Once signed by the Governor, Calvatia Gigantea will join other symbols representing Illinois.