Congressman García’s Statement on Hispanic Heritage Month
Congressman García's Statement on Hispanic Heritage Month
CHICAGO, IL – Congressman Jesús "Chuy" García (IL-04) issued the following statement in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month 2021:
"September 15th marks the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month, a time when we celebrate our roots and contributions we as Latinos have made to the United States. We are strong, resilient people, and we are here to stay.
"Throughout the pandemic, Latinos across the United States, including Chicago, stepped up for their neighbors and demonstrated solidarity in the midst of challenging times. The Latino community came together to organize food deliveries, small businesses handed out masks to their neighbors, restaurants fed those in need, and community health centers cared for the sick around the clock. Despite facing disproportionate health and economic challenges caused by the pandemic, Latinos persevered and supported each other like family.
"Despite emboldened anti-immigrant rhetoric in our nation, Latinos continue to demonstrate loyalty and commitment to the country we call home. This is the year to honor our contributions by providing a clear pathway to citizenship for farmworkers, essential workers, DACA, and TPS holders. Achieving this policy change would allow people who are Americans in everything but name, to contribute an additional $121 billion to the economy each year.
"The numbers are clear, the 2020 Census has shown that Latinos are shaping the future of the United States. To help our community, among the youngest in the country, achieve its full potential, we must continue working to ensure equality. This means ensuring that all Latinos have access to a fair living wage, quality affordable health care, dignified housing, equal access to education, and the full political representation we deserve.
"As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, let us recommit and work to ensure progress, equity and justice for all our people."
More information about Hispanic Heritage Month can be found here.
For more information on key facts about Hispanics go to this link.
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