Iowa Legislative Black Caucus to include other racial minority groups

On Monday, a group of Iowa lawmakers expanded their Iowa Legislative Black Caucus to include other racial minorities. Renamed the Iowa Legislative Black and Brown Caucus, it was officially launched at the Iowa Capitol.

During the launch, they introduced the Protect the American Dream Act, a series of bills that would protect Iowa’s minorities, according to the Caucus. One of the bills would prevent federal immigration officers from wearing masks in public, concealing their identities. Another prevents them from apprehending individuals in churches, schools, and courthouses.

Rep. Ruth Ann Gaines, D-33, is chair of the 10-member group. She told Black Iowa News the name change signifies the inclusion of Brown people in their policy focus.

“Iowa’s largest minority population is Brown and their plight cannot be ignored,” Gaines said. “We hope that we can gain more focus on the issues that are discriminatory and thus have more support in eliminating those issues.”

Current members of the caucus:

• Rep. Ruth Ann Gaines
• Rep. Angel Ramirez
• Rep. Rob Johnson
• Rep. Mary Madison
• Sen. Renee Hardman
• Sen. Izaah Knox
• Rep. Megan Srinivas
• Rep. Ross Wilburn
• Rep. Eddie Andrews
• Rep. Jerome Amos

📷 File photo: Ruth Ann Gaines by Black Iowa News