Pennsylvania HR 296: A Resolution designating February 2, 2024, as "Rheumatoid Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania.

Bill Text

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
Recognizing September 15 through October 15, 2025, as "Hispanic
Heritage Month" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, "Hispanic Heritage Month" is recognized every year
in the United States in celebration and honor of the cultures
and contributions of Americans who trace their roots back to
Spain, Mexico, Central America, South America and Spanish-
speaking Caribbean nations; and
WHEREAS, This monthlong celebration pays tribute to the
generations of Hispanic and Latino Americans who have had a
positive and enriching influence on our nation and society; and
WHEREAS, "Hispanic Heritage Month" celebrates esteemed
trailblazers in labor and civil rights, professional sports,
aeronautics, the judiciary and more; and
WHEREAS, The celebration originated as "Hispanic Heritage
Week" from congressional legislation recognizing the role
Hispanic communities played throughout American history; and
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16

WHEREAS, This effort eventually led Congress to pass a law
that allowed the President of the United States to issue a
proclamation for the first "Hispanic Heritage Week" in September
1968; and
WHEREAS, "Hispanic Heritage Week" was expanded to a monthlong
celebration when Congress successfully passed a bill that
allowed for a presidential declaration of the first "Hispanic
Heritage Month" from September 15 through October 15, 1989; and
WHEREAS, "Hispanic Heritage Month" coincides with the
anniversary of independence for Costa Rica, El Salvador,
Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua on September 15; the
anniversary of independence for Mexico on September 16; the
anniversary of independence for Chile on September 18; and Día
de la Raza, which is celebrated on October 12; and
WHEREAS, The United States Census Bureau estimates the United
States Hispanic population to be 65.2 million, or almost one-
fifth of the United States population, making the Hispanic
population the largest racial or ethnic minority in the nation;
and
WHEREAS, Hispanic and Latino Americans have faithfully served
in the United States military throughout the nation's history,
currently making up more than 18% of the active-duty population;
and
WHEREAS, More than 1.04 million Hispanic and Latino
individuals call Pennsylvania home, serving as an integral part
of the cultural diversity of this Commonwealth by sharing their
music, food, art, dance and other aspects of their rich
traditions and serving a significant role within the
Pennsylvania economy as business owners, public servants and
essential workers; and
20250HR0296PN2232 - 2 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30

WHEREAS, "Hispanic Heritage Month" has long been an important
opportunity to celebrate and honor communities of Hispanic
origin, recognizing that these communities bring significant
value to this Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, These communities serve as fine examples of how all
residents might live out the values of this Commonwealth through
service, faith and a desire to achieve the American dream;
therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize
September 15 through October 15, 2025, as "Hispanic Heritage
Month" in Pennsylvania; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives call on every
Pennsylvanian to honor the culture and history represented
within Hispanic communities through robust learning, service and
celebration, recognizing the positive impact these communities
have on the Commonwealth and the nation.
20250HR0296PN2232 - 3 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16