Latino Legislative Caucus Call to Action to Kick Off Hispanic Heritage Month

TRENTON – As we kick off the start of National Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrating the successes and contributions of our vibrant Hispanic communities, the New Jersey Latino Legislative Caucus also wants to recognize and reaffirm our support for Governor Phil Murphy and Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver who’ve been steadfast allies of our Latino community during their first term.

The 2021 observance theme for this Hispanic Heritage Month is “Esperanza” or “Hope.” After a difficult year and a half, hope is budding across our state as we remain focused on a strong, equitable recovery. Throughout the pandemic and long before, Governor Murphy and Lieutenant Governor Oliver have restored hope for the people of New Jersey, particularly for Latinos across the Garden State. The Governor and Lieutenant Governor have been tremendous partners, as we’ve passed legislation together to keep New Jersey moving forward.

Our accomplishments include: raising the minimum wage, expanding access to driver’s licenses and state financial aid regardless of immigration status, providing meaningful relief to hard-hit small businesses, creating a universal home nurse visitation program, among other legislative victories.  Indeed, we are proud of the work we have accomplished together thus far, and we look forward to the Governor’s re-election, in order to keep working on policies and initiatives that continue to improve the quality of life of the Latino community.

For all the progress we’ve made, it is clear that we cannot afford to go back. As the election nears, we will be working across our communities to make sure that Latinos come out and vote in record numbers. Vote-by-mail ballots will be going out soon, and New Jersey is going to have early in-person voting for nine days starting on October 23. The Latino vote will make the difference on November 2 for re-electing Governor Murphy, Lieutenant Governor Oliver, and the Democratic members of this Caucus on the ticket.

Our democracy is strongest when everyone can participate in it. With our continued partnership with Governor Murphy and Lieutenant Governor Oliver, we’ll continue to uplift Latino families and create a New Jersey that works for all. Our members will continue to raise the voices of Latinos in our state to promote greater equity and representation —not just for the span of Hispanic Heritage Month — but every month.

The Latino Legislative Caucus includes Chair Senator Nellie Pou, Senator M. Teresa Ruiz, Senator Nilsa Cruz-Perez, Assemblywoman Annette Chaparro, Assemblywoman Angelica M. Jimenez, Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez, Assemblyman Pedro Mejia, Assemblywoman Gabriela Mosquera, Assemblywoman Eliana Pintor-Marin, and Assemblywoman Annette Quijano.