The Great Lakes Legislative Caucus is a nonpartisan group of state and provincial lawmakers from eight U.S. states (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Wisconsin) and two Canadian provinces (Ontario and Quebec). Minnesota Sen. Ann Rest serves as chair of the caucus. The Midwestern Office of The Council of State Governments provides staffing services for the caucus. Funding for the caucus is provided by The Joyce Foundation.
The Great Lakes Legislative Caucus has three primary goals:
- Facilitate the regional exchange of ideas and information on key Great Lakes issues
- Strengthen the role of state and provincial legislators in the policymaking process
- Promote the restoration and protection of the Great Lakes
A Great Lakes Information Network Partner