Bill Text: IL HR0912 | 2025-2026 | 104th General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Declares May 23, 2026 as Italian Beef Day in the State of Illinois. Commends this iconic sandwich as a proud symbol of the State's culinary heritage, immigrant history, and community spirit. Extends thanks to the families and proprietors of Italian beef establishments across the State of Illinois in recognition of their enduring contributions to this shared heritage. Affirms commitment to honoring the cultural and economic contributions of the restaurants, food vendors, and hardworking Illinoisans who have kept this tradition alive for generations. Extends sincere congratulations and gratitude to the creators, cast, and crew of The Bear for their extraordinary portrayal of Chicago's Italian beef culture, for shining a national and international spotlight on the State of Illinois, and for inspiring pride in the State's rich culinary and cultural identity.

Sponsorship: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 3-1)

Status: (Passed) 2026-05-20 - Added Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Jeff Keicher [HR0912 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2025-HR0912-Introduced.html

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HR0912 LRB104 21979 ECR 37947 r
HOUSE RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The Italian beef sandwich, comprised of thinly
sliced, seasoned roast beef piled high on a sturdy Italian
roll, dipped in rich beef au jus, and topped with sweet peppers
or spicy giardiniera, stands as one of the great culinary
creations of the American Midwest and a defining symbol of
Illinois' vibrant food culture; and
WHEREAS, The Italian beef sandwich traces its origins to
the working-class Italian immigrant communities of Chicago in
the early 20th century, where resourceful families stretched
affordable cuts of beef by slow-roasting them with herbs and
spices and slicing them paper-thin, a tradition of ingenuity
and community that reflects the enduring character of
Illinois; and
WHEREAS, For nearly a century, family-owned Italian beef
stands and sandwich shops across the State of Illinois have
served generations of residents, visitors, and loyal devotees,
becoming beloved community institutions and anchors of local
commerce; and
WHEREAS, The Italian beef sandwich has become an
ambassador of Illinois culture far beyond the State's borders,
drawing food enthusiasts from across the nation and around the

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world who come to experience an authentic taste of this State;
and
WHEREAS, The Illinois House of Representatives, in
recognition of the sandwich's deep cultural roots and its
unparalleled status among Illinois foods, passed House Bill
4669 in 2026 as part of an effort to designate the Italian beef
sandwich as the Official Sandwich of the State of Illinois,
cementing its place in our State's heritage; and
WHEREAS, May 23 is celebrated annually as National Italian
Beef Day to honor this iconic sandwich, to recognize the
hardworking men and women who craft and serve it, and to
celebrate the rich culinary traditions that bring our
communities together; and
WHEREAS, FX, a division of Disney Entertainment, created
The Bear, an original series set in the kitchens and dining
rooms of a fictional Chicago Italian beef sandwich shop that
has brought international attention and renewed appreciation
to this beloved Illinois institution; and
WHEREAS, The Bear has earned widespread critical acclaim,
winning numerous Emmy Awards and other prestigious honors, and
has served as a powerful and authentic portrayal of Chicago's
food culture, its immigrant working-class roots, and the

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spirit of resilience, creativity, and excellence that defines
the people of Illinois; and
WHEREAS, The Bear has introduced the Italian beef sandwich
to new generations of fans across the globe, sparking a surge
of interest in Chicago's culinary heritage and inspiring
countless visitors to experience the City of Chicago and State
of Illinois firsthand; and
WHEREAS, It is fitting and proper that the Illinois House
of Representatives pause to honor Italian Beef Day on May 23,
to celebrate the sandwich that has nourished and united our
communities for generations, and to recognize the cultural
contributions that have carried this Illinois tradition to the
world stage; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE
HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that
we declare May 23, 2026 as Italian Beef Day in the State of
Illinois, and we commend this iconic sandwich as a proud
symbol of our State's culinary heritage, immigrant history,
and community spirit; and be it further
RESOLVED, That we extend our thanks to the families and
proprietors of Italian beef establishments across the State of
Illinois in recognition of their enduring contributions to our

HR0912 - 4 - LRB104 21979 ECR 37947 r
shared heritage, and we affirm our commitment to honoring the
cultural and economic contributions of the restaurants, food
vendors, and hardworking Illinoisans who have kept this
tradition alive for generations; and be it further
RESOLVED, That we extend our sincere congratulations and
gratitude to the creators, cast, and crew of The Bear for their
extraordinary portrayal of Chicago's Italian beef culture, for
shining a national and international spotlight on the State of
Illinois, and for inspiring pride in our State's rich culinary
and cultural identity; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
presented to FX on behalf of the producers of The Bear.