Wisconsin Designates State Microbe 102
Hugh Pickens writes "The NY Times reports that state legislators in Wisconsin raced against the clock to pass a bill designating Lactococcus lactis as Wisconsin's official state microbe. 'The first time I heard the idea, I thought, I've got more important things to do than spending my time honoring a microbe,' says Gary Hebl, a Democratic state representative who proposed the bill which, he says, would make Wisconsin the first state in the nation to grant such a designation, 'but this microbe is really a very hard worker,' added Hebl, referring to the bacterium supported by the Department of Bacteriology at UW — Madison used to make cheddar, Colby, and Monterey Jack cheese. The proposal faced only one detractor in committee ('the opponent was clearly lactose-intolerant,' says Hebl), and there was no sign of a last-minute campaign from other bacteria, so by evening, the Assembly had approved the measure, 56 to 41. In case there were any doubts about Wisconsin's priorities, a separate bill also awaits consideration in Madison, declaring cheese Wisconsin's state snack."
Thanks for looking at the important bills! (Score:1, Interesting)
Angry Wisconsin Resident here.
So they're willing to look at a bill for a microbe, but won't even touch an important bill such at the medical marijuana one.
http://www.immly.org/index.html
Re:What? (Score:3, Interesting)
Re:For Our Non-United States Friends (Score:3, Interesting)
Yes, we do. Our cheeses are as diverse as our beers. I recently attended a cheese and beer pairing where there were a dozen wonderfully "stinky" cheeses paired with some fine Belgian-style strong beers - all made in Wisconsin.
It's one of the reasons I've stayed here for almost 20 years, despite hating the long winters.