Six members of the General Assembly on Thursday announced the formation of state's first caucus dedicated to the interests of Latinos.
The new Maryland Legislative Latino Caucus plans to lobby on behalf of Maryland's growing Latino community, bringing an official voice to the table as lawmakers debate education funding and other issues this year.
Latinos make up about nine percent of Maryland's population, according to the Pew Research Center, but only 3 percent of the state legislature.
All members of the caucus, five delegates and one senator, are Democrats. Caucus chair Del. Joseline A. Peña-Melnyk said that while their values align with those of the Democrats, having a stand-alone caucus makes it more likely the Latino perspective will be sought out on issues.
Peña-Melnyk said the caucus' its first priority was to look for ways to increase education funding.