Washington, D.C.— U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) today marked National Hispanic Heritage Month with remarks on the Senate floor recognizing the social, economic, and cultural contributions of Latinos in Arizona:

Video of Flake’s remarks can be viewed here.
A transcript of the remarks can be viewed below.

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Mr. President, I rise to recognize Hispanic Heritage Month, which is celebrated from September 15th to October 15th. Originally signed into law in 1968 to be just one week, it was expanded by President Ronald Reagan into a month-long recognition in 1988. This month recognizes the social, economic, and cultural contributions of the more than 57 million Latinos living in the United States.

In my home state of Arizona, the Latino population has nearly tripled in the past 25 years to just over two million people. That is nearly one third of the state’s population. And Hispanic children already make up more than half of K-8 public school students in Arizona.

From an economic view, Hispanic-owned small businesses are growing at a rate two to three times the national average and now total roughly 125,000 statewide. Businesses owned by Hispanic women are growing even faster.

Hispanic Heritage Month in Arizona is celebrated through historical lectures, movie screenings, culinary and arts festivals, gallery exhibitions, and musical celebrations. 

Mr. Speaker, these are but a few items to highlight when noting the contributions of those with Hispanic Heritage and I’m pleased to have a moment on the Senate floor to talk about Hispanic Heritage Month. 

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