Washington, D.C. — Today, in a video statement, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D- Westlake Village) commemorated the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 to October 15.
Full text of the video statement can be found below:
“Hello, I’m Congresswoman Julia Brownley.
“Each year from September 15th to October 15th, we gather as a nation to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and honor the history, culture, and contributions of the Latino community.
“This month, we take a moment to recognize the Latino community’s role in shaping our nation.
“From serving bravely in our armed forces, to owning a small business, to culturally enriching our nation in the fields of science, literature, and the arts, the Latino community is deeply woven into our region’s diverse economic and social fabric.
“Like all Americans, Latino families aspire to own a home, save for their children’s education, and put aside enough money for a secure retirement.
“In 2014, the Latino population in the United States reached an all-time high of over 55 million people, and the community continues to grow.
“This vital diversity makes Ventura County a wonderful place to live and work, and it makes us stronger.
“However, as a nation of laws and a nation of immigrants, the fact remains that we need comprehensive immigration reform that will fix our broken system.
“As your Representative in Congress, I will continue to urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support a common-sense approach to comprehensive immigration reform that will strengthen our regional and national economies, and preserve families and communities across Ventura County.
“So please join me in celebrating the heritage, culture, and contributions of the Latino community to our country.
“Thank you so much, and happy Hispanic Heritage Month!”
Issues: 114th Congress, Civil Rights, Immigration