(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Midwestern members of Congress announced Wednesday that they are uniting to form a legislative caucus of their own on Capitol Hill.
Michigan Congresswoman Debbie Dingell dubbed the alliance the Heartland Caucus, and stood with a small crowd of representatives to introduce the members in Washington.
“The Heartland Caucus is going to serve to elevate and engage on the most important issues that are facing our communities,” Dingell said. “From urban issues, manufacturing, labor, agriculture, interracial equity, rural health care, to broadband infrastructure and the environment.”
Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky — along with Illinoisans Sean Casten, Bill Foster, Mike Quigley, Jonathan Jackson and Eric Sorensen — were among those gathered at the caucus kickoff and stressed the importance of the region
“We want to make sure … that we aren’t just a flyover part of the United States, that we are at the heart — not only the center of the country — but we are the heart of the future for our families and for our children,” Schawkowsky said.
Several mentioned the Great Lakes, which represents more than 20% of the world's surface fresh water. Some spoke of the growing technology industry and manufacturing.
Clearly the members have felt left out. They noted that all the top Democratic leaders on Capitol Hill are from coastal states.
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