New Hampshire Thinks There Are Too Many State Symbols

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — States have named official sandwiches, insects, dances, soil, beans and bugs. This year, there are proposals to name an official hostess in Alaska and an official legendary creature, the jackalope, in Wyoming.

When New Hampshire lawmakers this month shot down as frivolous a group of fourth-graders' effort to name the red-tailed hawk the official raptor, the pols got pasted as insensitive bullies. But some say they have a point and should focus on pressing issues like taxes and health care.

Others say the exercise helps get young people involved in government.

There are 72 current pieces of legislation nationwide to name an official state something.

Other states might be looking to cool it on symbols: Missouri is currently considering a bill to limit the number of state symbols to 28.