Illinois lawmakers revive 'cupcake' bill

SPRINGFIELD - Illinois lawmakers have revived a so-called "cupcake bill" introduced after a young girl's home baking operation was shut down.

The Senate on Tuesday initially defeated the proposal, which paves the way for home kitchen businesses making less than $1,000 per month.

Republican Sen. Jim Oberweis was among opponents. The dairy magnate said proposed regulations tacked on to the bill would have sidetracked his own entrepreneurial spirit at a young age.

But the Senate later moved to reconsider the bill and that amendment was withdrawn. Lawmakers then voted 57-0 to pass the measure. Sen. Heather Steans says: "Let them eat cupcakes."

The legislation arose after the Madison County Health Department shut down 12-year-old Chloe Stirling's cupcake business in Troy. It now goes to Gov. Pat Quinn.