* Subscribers can find Rich’s interview with Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz here. Press release…

Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, has convened a “New Arrivals Working Group” to be led by state Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz, D-Glenview.

“The recent influx of migrants into our state provides challenges and opportunities that require thoughtful engagement and consensus building,” Speaker Welch said. “We know this issue will be an important part of conversations this session, which is why I’m putting together a diverse team with strong, relevant backgrounds ready to act as needed. Rep. Gong-Gershowitz has decades of experience understanding the complex issues related to immigration, and I’m confident she will lead this group with the skill, knowledge and compassion required.”

“I’m honored to work with a group of individuals who are actively engaged on this topic and can provide quality feedback,” Gong-Gershowitz said. “We come from a variety of backgrounds, but we share an understanding that this must be a human-centered approach that respects the real lives that are impacted. I look forward to the work ahead.”

Joining Gong-Gershowitz on the working group are:

- House Majority Leader Robyn Gabel, D-Evanston
- Speaker Pro Tempore Jehan Gordon-Booth, D-Peoria
- Assistant Majority Leader Kam Buckner, D-Chicago
- State Rep. Dagmara “Dee” Avelar, D-Bolingbrook
- State Rep. Eva-Dina Delgado, D-Chicago
- State Rep. Terra Costa Howard, D-Glen Ellyn
- State Rep. Hoan Huynh, D-Chicago
- State Rep. Dave Vella, D-Rockford