A 12-year-old downstate Illinois girl is celebrating her victory in keeping her cupcake business afloat.
Chloe Stirling, of Troy, turned to state lawmakers after her home cupcake business was shut down by Madison County health officials because it didn't meet health standards.
Bill HB5354, dubbed the "Cupcake Law," was signed into law last month. It allows entrepreneurs like Chloe to sell home-baked goods if the monthly gross sales are less than $1,000, there's no potentially hazardous foods and if its clearly marked as home baked.
"She went to Springfield twice, she testified to the House, she testified to the Senate," Chloe's mother, Heather said. "She did bring cupcakes both times."
Chloe has become the face of Gov. Pat Quinn's state tourism promotion. He says Illinois enjoyed a record-breaking year in 2013.
"Restaurants, our chefs, all of the great things we have in Illinois, we want to welcome the world, because it does create economic opportunity for people who are here to work and to have a good job," Quinn said.
The restaurant business contributes to 9 percent of the state's employment.
Chloe just wrapped up a week long culinary program at Kendall College in Chicago.
