Dupage Policy Journal

State Rep. Seth Lewis (R-Bartlett) is sponsoring a bill to give Illinoisans of Asian Indian descent a voice when it comes to state laws and policies that impact their community. 

Lewis' legislation that would establish an Illinois Asian Indian American Advisory Council recently cleared its first hurdle and was approved by the House State Government Administration Committee.

"Today, India is celebrating Republic Day! Republic Day marks the day on which the Indian Constitution went into effect in 1950. On this day of celebration, I am pleased to announce that my legislation to create the Illinois Asian Indian American Advisory Council passed unanimously in committee," Lewis wrote in a Jan. 26 Facebook post. "The Council would give Asian Indian Americans a chance to actively participate in their state government, providing input on policy issues that impact their community. Next step: getting it passed on the House floor!"

The legislation, House Bill 4070, was first introduced by Lewis in April of 2021. If it's approved, it would allow the council to be established which would be able to meet and provide reports with policy recommendations to the governor and General Assembly.