The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus was founded in 1969 to organize minority members of the Illinois General Assembly into an effective interest group. The organization was created to ensure cooperation among black legislators and prevent the dilution of their voting strength through personal or ideological discord. In 1966, as the numbers of African-Americans elected to the state legislature was growing, Representatives Harold Washington, Louis A.H. Caldwell, Otis Collins, and Calvin Smith created a study group to discuss political issues and strategies of interest to the black community. In 1969 their group evolved into the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus. As its ranks grew, it became a small but powerful voting bloc, sometimes forging unusual political alliances to win support for the measures they backed. The Caucus advocates on behalf of the interests of the poor and tries to ensure that state contracts are distributed fairly to minority businesses. Labeling itself the “conscience of the General Assembly” it strenuously resists efforts by governors to cut social spending and services from the state budget. It has also been involved in debates over issues such as education, gambling policy, taxes, and racial profiling. While headquartered in Springfield, Illinois, it is especially active in the Chicago area, where the districts of a majority of its members are located. In recent years the Caucus has accounted for 10-15% of the membership of the General Assembly. During the 1980s, as Latino/a politicians were elected to the General Assembly, the organization became known as the Illinois Legislative Minorities Caucus. Since the establishment of a separate Illinois Legislative Hispanic Caucus, it has reverted to its original name. During the 1980s the Caucus was chaired by Representative Robert LeFlore. In 1992 Senator Donne E. Trotter took over as Joint Caucus chair; today the Caucus is led by Senator James Meeks.