LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) – Showdowns are taking place in the halls of the state capitol. Two camps of state representatives have introduced competing bills that could change the course of Michigan history.
Both try to answer the question:
What should be Michigan’s official state butterfly?
It may sound silly, but recognizing state symbols helps build Michigan’s brand as officials try to market the state to potential residents and investors.
Consider other major symbols of Michigan, such as the Petaskey Rock, the white-tailed deer, and the American robin.
Earlier this month, state representative Brenda Carter introduced a bill to make the monarch our official state butterfly.
The species is iconic, but seven other states already include the monarch in their official symbols, including nearby states like Illinois and Minnesota.
This bill went to committee last week.
Meanwhile, another bill just cleared committee and would make the black swallowtail Michigan’s state butterfly.
Although the black dovetail is less recognizable, only two other states have adopted the black dovetail as a symbol, and neither is near Michigan.