By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois’ fastest-growing ethnic group is celebrating its growing influence.

An Asian-American caucus is now in place, including the three Asian-Americans in the General Assembly.

The group is for all of the state’s Asian-American elected officials. “You may have seen the joint black caucus that was formed, and we have learned from what a lot of the Latino and African-American caucuses have been doing about, how do we work together better,” said Josina Morita, a member of Chicago’s Metropolitan Water Reclamation District and the new caucus’ chair. “I think it’s important for us as Asian-American electeds to communicate to work together.”

State Rep. Theresa Mah (D-Chicago) stresses mentorship. “Part of the process is encouraging someone in their communities to get involved,” Mah told a statehouse news conference. “Once they see someone who looks like them getting involved in public service and in government, they might increase their involvement and maybe also run for elected office themselves.”

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]