Lifetime Citizen Portal Access — AI Briefings, Alerts & Unlimited Follows
Commerce and Technology Committee advances bill to make breaded pork tenderloin Indiana’s state sandwich
Loading...
Summary
The Commerce and Technology Committee advanced Senate Bill 21 to designate the breaded pork tenderloin as Indiana’s official state sandwich after testimony from restaurant owners, industry representatives and a withdrawn objection from the Jewish Community Relations Council; the bill moves to the full Senate (file 110).
The Commerce and Technology Committee voted to advance Senate Bill 21 at its meeting, sending the proposal to the full Senate as file 110. The bill would designate the breaded pork tenderloin as Indiana’s official state sandwich.
Sponsor Senator Andy Zay, a Republican from District 17, framed the measure as a nod to the state’s agriculture and tourism industries, saying the sandwich helps promote local restaurants and events. “If you really wanna get a bill heard, just announce that you're leaving the senate,” Zay told the committee as he introduced the measure during his final committee meeting before moving to chair the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission.
Supporters included Jean Bailey of Nick’s Kitchen in Huntington, which opened in 1908, and Jeanette Merritt, director of communications for Indiana Pork and a fourth-generation pig farmer. Bailey described the restaurant’s long history and the role the sandwich plays in attracting visitors to Huntington. Merritt said the designation would “honor our farmers, fuel tourism, and celebrate a food that brings Hoosiers together,” and cited statewide production and employment figures to argue for economic benefits.
Bill Rock, a two-term mayor who operates Rock Concessions, also testified in favor, describing festival and concession activity that draws visitors from neighboring counties. Witnesses emphasized that the bill as drafted requires the sandwich be made with Indiana-raised pork.
Carol Auslander of Torchbearer Public Affairs, speaking on behalf of the Jewish Community Relations Council, said members of the Jewish faith are religiously prohibited from eating pork and asked that other sandwich options be considered; she suggested naming a pastrami sandwich as an alternative. Auslander then told the committee she would withdraw her opposition and offered to answer questions.
Committee discussion touched on unity and cultural tradition as reasons for the designation; several members said the measure would celebrate a food with broad popular appeal rather than resolving a policy dispute. Senator Zay noted social-media interest in the sandwich and turned primary sponsorship over to Senator Blake Dorio for further action.
A motion to pass the bill was made and seconded. The committee conducted a roll call and recorded affirmative votes from the members present; the chair announced the bill moves to the Senate Floor (file 110).
