Dear neighbor,

Today we kicked off Hispanic Heritage Month by meeting with President Luis Abinader of the Dominican Republic at the Capitol. I’m incredibly proud to represent NY-16 where more than a quarter of our constituents are Hispanic— a community which has made invaluable contributions to our district and our country. Hispanic Heritage Month allows us to celebrate and reflect on the resiliency and contributions Hispanic people have made in the past, and will continue to make in the future. This community plays a large role in making this country what it is today, through education, arts, science, business and so much more.

By spending time this month and throughout the year celebrating and uplifting Hispanic people across the country, we can build greater cross-cultural understanding, respect, and appreciation for our shared humanity.

I’m looking forward to continuing to advocate for a pathway to citizenship and advocating for families seeking  resources and opportunities, regardless of their immigration status. This is particularly important as efforts to support immigrants on a federal level have been stalled over the past year as we continue to pass legislation through Congress. I will continue to support and sponsor legislation in Congress that affirms Hispanic people’s lives including DACA, advancing equal pay, providing temporary protective status for those seeking asylum, investing  in our care economy, providing language access,  child care and health care, funding for higher education opportunities, entrepreneurial and small business opportunities, and scholarships and funding Hispanic Serving Institutions.

To learn more about Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Month please visit: hispanicheritagemonth.gov.

Peace and love,

Congressman Jamaal Bowman (NY-16)