While we’re waiting for Illinois lawmakers and the governor’s office to work out a state budget, how about a history lesson?

If you take a tree trunk and hollow it out to make a canoe, you have built a pirogue. Members of the Illini tribe did such a thing, and some middle school students from Wilmette are asking the legislature and governor to designate the pirogue the official state artifact.

While Gov. Bruce Rauner mocked an earlier bill to make pumpkin pie the official state pie, he did sign that bill, so the Wilmette kids have a chance.

The fact that the Indians crafting this canoe were Illini was not lost on State Sen. Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet), who noted the debate was occurring on the University of Illinois’ Alumni Day at the Capitol.

“Would you join me in supporting Chief Illiniwek?” Rose asked the sponsor, State Sen. Daniel Biss (D-Evanston) (pictured). When told no, Rose responded, “Well, then, maybe it’s time we get a state budget.”

“I agree, Senator,” the presiding officer, State Sen. Kimberly Lightford (D-Maywood), chimed in.

HB 538 has passed the House, 112-2, and the Senate, 53-1, and goes to the governor.