Pumpkin pie could be the new official state pie of Illinois.

The Illinois House approved legislation by a 108-3 vote after a jovial debate on the topic Thursday. It now heads to the Senate.

Republican state Rep. Keith Sommer of Morton is sponsoring the proposal. He told fellow lawmakers on the chamber floor that the bill is a tribute to how much pumpkin Illinois produces. Illinois produces about 85 percent of consumed pumpkin in the U.S.

Sommer says it's important to recognize "the good things of the state of Illinois" while leaders grapple with more serious business, including an expected $6 billion budget hole come July.