Lowey Commemorates Hispanic Heritage Month

LOWEY COMMEMORATES HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

WASHINGTON, DC - Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey (D-Westchester/Rockland) issued the following statement in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, which begins today and will continue through October 15th.

"For the next thirty days, millions of Americans will join together to celebrate the legacy of Hispanic cultures in our nation. Hispanic values - faith, family, love of country - are American values. The Hispanic dream - the hope of a better future - is the American Dream. During Hispanic Heritage Month, we honor the Hispanic community and pay tribute to the extraordinary contributions that Hispanics make to America year-round.

"While Hispanics are now the fastest growing population in our country, their history and culture has helped shape our nation from its founding. Their hard work, deep faith and closely-knit families have made America a better and stronger country. Hispanic influence on popular culture is immediately evident in music, film, food, and other areas. Economically, culturally, and politically, Latinos are an integral part of our nation. Today we see their strong influence on New York's vibrant Hispanic neighborhoods, restaurants and businesses. Our communities have benefited from the nearly three million Hispanics who call our state ‘home.'

"Recognizing that Latinos are an integral part of our nation means that we must advance initiatives that support empowerment for all. Democrats have introduced an agenda, a New Direction for America, which reflects our commitment that America should work for everyone by building opportunity and prosperity for all and guaranteeing real security at home and around the world. Under our New Direction plan, we are proposing important initiatives that would benefit millions of Latino families, such as expanding access to college, ending tax giveaways that reward companies for moving American jobs overseas, lowering gas prices, moving towards energy independence, making prescription drugs more affordable, and providing true retirement security.

"This month is an opportunity for us to celebrate the differences in culture that have made our nation as strong as it is today. But we should not limit our celebration of Hispanic culture to just this month; we should look for opportunities throughout the year to honor the contributions of generations of Hispanic Americans."

http://www.house.gov/list/press/ny18_lowey/hheritage091906.html