Russ Feingold: “we are currently observing National Hispanic Heritage Month, a time when many members of the Latino community and the…”

“we are currently observing National Hispanic Heritage Month, a time when many members of the Latino community and the country at large remember and celebrate the profound contributions of Hispanic culture that are woven into the great cultural fabric of America. National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated between September 15 and October 15, to coincide with the Independence Day anniversaries of nations throughout Latin America. In 1968, President Lyndon Johnson's proclamation of National Hispanic Heritage Month was authorized by Congress. In 1988, the recognition was expanded to a month-long celebration. America is home to nearly 41 million Latinos, including a thriving population in my home state of Wisconsin. This month, we should take the time to embrace the many important contributions throughout American history of American Latinos that affect all of our everyday lives. This month we celebrate the historic efforts of Cesar Chavez, Jaime Escalante, Roberto Hernandez, Henry Cisneros, Ellen Ochoa and Roberto Clemente, to name just a few. We celebrate their work to break down barriers and create bridges for future generations. But as we celebrate Hispanic heritage, it is also time to address the challenges that face the Hispanic community, such as access to education and health care, fair working conditions, racial profiling and, for many, an ability to keep their family together while working to become legal, permanent residents of this great country.…”