DuPage County, IL — State Representative Amy Grant (R-Wheaton) is proudly announcing 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 have been actively involved in a mock legislative process to decide upon the best mushroom to represent Illinois. Since November, students have gathered data, surveyed Illinois residents, and held a school-wide vote on which mushroom would be the best, and decided on 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,” said 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 project started as a class discussion and turned into a significant learning experience, showing how young voices can influence state policies.
For more information, please contact State Representative Amy Grant’s District Office at 331-218-4182.
State Representative Amy Grant, is currently in her 3rd term as State Representative in the General Assembly. The 47th district is made up of several communities in DuPage County, including Naperville, Warrenville, Glen Ellyn, Wheaton, Lisle, Carol Stream, Bartlett, West Chicago, Winfield, and Wayne.