HR 296 — A Resolution recognizing September 15 through October 15, 2025, as "Hispanic Heritage Month" in Pennsylvania.

PRINTER'S NO.   2232

                  THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA



           HOUSE RESOLUTION
              No. 296
                                                Session of
                                                  2025

     INTRODUCED BY BURGOS, GUZMAN, GIRAL, CONKLIN, VITALI, WAXMAN,
        PIELLI, HILL-EVANS, SOLOMON, BRENNAN, SAPPEY, VENKAT,
        SANCHEZ, McNEILL, PROBST, GUENST, SAMUELSON, FREEMAN,
        HANBIDGE, DONAHUE, HADDOCK, KHAN, POWELL, NEILSON,
        SCHLOSSBERG, MENTZER, DELLOSO, MERSKI, CIRESI, GALLAGHER,
        FLEMING, O'MARA, CERRATO AND GREEN, AUGUST 19, 2025

     REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT, AUGUST 20, 2025


                               A RESOLUTION
 1   Recognizing September 15 through October 15, 2025, as "Hispanic
 2      Heritage Month" in Pennsylvania.
 3      WHEREAS, "Hispanic Heritage Month" is recognized every year
 4   in the United States in celebration and honor of the cultures
 5   and contributions of Americans who trace their roots back to
 6   Spain, Mexico, Central America, South America and Spanish-
 7   speaking Caribbean nations; and
 8      WHEREAS, This monthlong celebration pays tribute to the
 9   generations of Hispanic and Latino Americans who have had a
10   positive and enriching influence on our nation and society; and
11      WHEREAS, "Hispanic Heritage Month" celebrates esteemed
12   trailblazers in labor and civil rights, professional sports,
13   aeronautics, the judiciary and more; and
14      WHEREAS, The celebration originated as "Hispanic Heritage
15   Week" from congressional legislation recognizing the role
16   Hispanic communities played throughout American history; and
 1         WHEREAS, This effort eventually led Congress to pass a law
 2   that allowed the President of the United States to issue a
 3   proclamation for the first "Hispanic Heritage Week" in September
 4   1968; and
 5         WHEREAS, "Hispanic Heritage Week" was expanded to a monthlong
 6   celebration when Congress successfully passed a bill that
 7   allowed for a presidential declaration of the first "Hispanic
 8   Heritage Month" from September 15 through October 15, 1989; and
 9         WHEREAS, "Hispanic Heritage Month" coincides with the
10   anniversary of independence for Costa Rica, El Salvador,
11   Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua on September 15; the
12   anniversary of independence for Mexico on September 16; the
13   anniversary of independence for Chile on September 18; and Día
14   de la Raza, which is celebrated on October 12; and
15         WHEREAS, The United States Census Bureau estimates the United
16   States Hispanic population to be 65.2 million, or almost one-
17   fifth of the United States population, making the Hispanic
18   population the largest racial or ethnic minority in the nation;
19   and
20         WHEREAS, Hispanic and Latino Americans have faithfully served
21   in the United States military throughout the nation's history,
22   currently making up more than 18% of the active-duty population;
23   and
24         WHEREAS, More than 1.04 million Hispanic and Latino
25   individuals call Pennsylvania home, serving as an integral part
26   of the cultural diversity of this Commonwealth by sharing their
27   music, food, art, dance and other aspects of their rich
28   traditions and serving a significant role within the
29   Pennsylvania economy as business owners, public servants and
30   essential workers; and

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 1      WHEREAS, "Hispanic Heritage Month" has long been an important
 2   opportunity to celebrate and honor communities of Hispanic
 3   origin, recognizing that these communities bring significant
 4   value to this Commonwealth; and
 5      WHEREAS, These communities serve as fine examples of how all
 6   residents might live out the values of this Commonwealth through
 7   service, faith and a desire to achieve the American dream;
 8   therefore be it
 9      RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize
10   September 15 through October 15, 2025, as "Hispanic Heritage
11   Month" in Pennsylvania; and be it further
12      RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives call on every
13   Pennsylvanian to honor the culture and history represented
14   within Hispanic communities through robust learning, service and
15   celebration, recognizing the positive impact these communities
16   have on the Commonwealth and the nation.




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