Senate adopts ceremonial resolution celebrating Jell‑O Week after lighthearted floor debate

The Utah Senate on Jan. 30 adopted a ceremonial resolution recognizing Jell‑O as a favorite snack and designated activities tied to Jell‑O Week.

Senator Blackham introduced SR 5, offered a first substitute to update the sponsorship list, and described Jell‑O as a Utah tradition — saying signatures had been collected in support and recounting personal anecdotes about family recipes. He told the floor that organizers had gathered "15,000 signatures collected requesting that we take action this way." The sponsor framed the resolution as recognition of family, community and church traditions.

Several senators responded in a jocular vein. Senator Davis offered token opposition, arguing that if the state were to pick an official snack, ice cream would be preferable and noted Utah ice cream tradition and past service to U.S. presidents. Senator Wright suggested mixing Jell‑O with whipped cream as a compromise. Senator Peterson and others referenced children in Jell‑O T‑shirts present at the joint convention planned later.

The Senate adopted the first substitute and then approved the substitute resolution on roll call (first substitute recorded as 25 ayes, 3 nays and 1 absent). As a Senate resolution, SR 5 will be signed by the Senate president and returned to staff for enrollment; because it is a chamber resolution, it does not advance to the House as legislation does.

Representative quotes from the floor include Senator Blackham’s anecdote that family, community and church traditions surround Jell‑O, and Senator Davis saying ice cream is “wholesome” and noting historic service of Utah‑made ice cream at the White House. The exchange on the floor was light in tone and framed the resolution as ceremonial rather than regulatory.