TRENTON – A resolution sponsored by Senators Raymond J. Lesniak and Teresa Ruiz which recognizes September 15 through October 15 of each year as Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month in New Jersey was unanimously approved by the Senate today, receiving final legislative approval.
“New Jerseyans of Hispanic and Latino heritage have given our State and the nation at large so much, and have enriched the American tapestry,” said Senator Lesniak, D-Union. “It’s only fitting that we designate a month in which to officially recognize the contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans in New Jersey. This resolution would ensure that each year, we take the proper time to respect and appreciate the cultural contributions of our State’s large Hispanic- and Latino-American population.”
The resolution, SJR-38, would designate September 15 through October 15 of each year as Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month in the State, to commemorate the contributions that Hispanic and Latino people have made to New Jersey and the nation. The sponsors noted that Hispanic and Latino people have distinguished themselves and achieved high honors in a variety of occupations, including high-ranking roles in military leadership, political office, the entertainment industry, arts and literature, professional athletics, and science and technology.
“Growing up, my parents taught me to value the past, and have pride in my heritage,” said Senator Ruiz, D-Essex and Union, and the first Latina to serve in the State Senate. “By designating this month as Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month, we celebrate the contributions that the Latino community have made to New Jersey and the nation as a whole. This designation also gives us a great opportunity to recognize the diversity that makes this State great.”
The lawmakers added that Americans of Hispanic and Latino heritage have gone on to win Nobel prizes in both physics and medicine and physiology, have served as astronauts for NASA, have played important roles in presidential cabinets, have won Grammy and Academy Awards, and have won titles and other sports honors in baseball, football, golf, boxing and other professional sports.
The resolution, which was unanimously approved by the Assembly last month, now heads to the Governor to be signed into law.