In Albuquerque, New Mexico, a proposal to designate the tortilla as the state’s official bread enjoyed unanimous legislative support but ultimately fell short last Friday. The initiative was not derailed due to any lack of enthusiasm for tortillas from Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, who holds them in high regard as a key element of the region’s culinary traditions. Instead, she vetoed the bill, voicing concerns that legislators might have prioritized this symbolic measure over more pressing issues facing the state.
The Governor’s veto message emphasized her appreciation for the state’s cultural heritage, listing the numerous symbols and songs that New Mexico has embraced throughout its history. However, she urged lawmakers to consider whether such endeavors truly address the significant challenges at hand. “We face perilous and unprecedented times, and the stakes have never been higher for our state,” she noted.
The lawmakers in New Mexico aren’t the only ones pursuing state symbols. In Georgia, legislation was passed to make cornbread the official state bread. Meanwhile, Oregon might soon recognize the T-bone steak as an emblematic state food, and California is toying with the idea of declaring Bigfoot its official cryptid, despite the creature’s mythical status.
State lawmakers seek to inject light-heartedness into legislative sessions often dominated by taxes and economic policies. Fourth-grader Adaline McIntosh from Las Cruces proposed the official tortilla designation, leading to lively debates among lawmakers over the ideal flour for tortilla-making. During discussions, Sen. Benny Shendo from the Jemez Pueblo tribe shared historical insights about the region’s first bread – blue corn paste cooked on a stone by Pueblo peoples. Sen. Cindy Nava reminisced about her mother’s homemade tortillas, emphasizing the cultural significance of the food. “This goes beyond legislation,” Nava said, underscoring the cultural awareness this brings.
The tradition of selecting official state symbols was initiated in the late 1800s as a means to highlight unique cultural identities and instill state pride. Initially, symbols such as flowers and flags were chosen, eventually expanding to include fossils and foods. States like Oregon and Tennessee aim to commemorate culinary contributions, like the T-bone steak and Nashville hot chicken, respectively. While Nevada is contemplating the selection of Picon punch, a Basque immigrant cocktail, as its official drink.
North Carolina legislators are considering the adoption of the Moravian star, a symbol of the Star of Bethlehem and Christmas, as an official emblem. Minnesota may incorporate the Ursa Minor constellation into its list of symbols, while Texas is evaluating a proposal to recognize the cannon as an official gun, reflecting the state’s historic stance for independence.
Among other emblematic firsts, Colorado recently added the Agaricus julius mushroom to its official list. In Iowa and Michigan, there are discussions around naming official butterflies, with monarchs and black swallowtails competing for the honor in Michigan. Minnesota’s potential new state symbol is a fossil – a prehistoric giant beaver, drawing on the Science Museum of Minnesota’s advocacy. California considers both solar energy, supporting its status as the country’s leading solar market, alongside discussions about Bigfoot, which continues to captivate public imagination and promote tourism in the state.