During a recent government meeting, Senator Cortese expressed gratitude towards Senator Portentino for his leadership in addressing the historical treatment of Italian Americans, particularly during World War II. Cortese highlighted the lack of awareness surrounding the challenges faced by Italian Americans, including internment and curfews, emphasizing the need for education on this topic.

The discussion also touched on a notable cartoon from a New York newspaper that depicted Italian Americans as \"rats leaving the ship,\" illustrating the negative stereotypes prevalent at the time. Cortese's remarks underscored the importance of acknowledging and educating the public about the struggles of Italian Americans, a sentiment echoed by other committee members.

Despite the absence of a quorum, the meeting continued with a focus on the significance of these historical narratives and their relevance to current discussions about ethnic groups. Cortese's personal experiences with discrimination were shared, reinforcing the ongoing impact of such issues in California and beyond. The meeting concluded with a commitment to further explore these topics in future sessions.