Washington, DC— (Tuesday, September 18, 2012) – Today, Congresswoman Johnson issued the following statement in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 through October 15 every year.

“On September 15, our Nation began its month-long celebration of Hispanic heritage. Since 1988, millions of Americans have celebrated this month in recognition of the worthwhile and lasting contributions by Latinos to our society.  The Hispanic community is the fastest growing ethnic group in our country, with more than 50 million people, who make America a better and stronger Nation through their values and achievements that have enriched America’s melting pot.

In Texas, Latinos now account for thirty eight percent of the population, while over twenty percent of businesses in Texas are Hispanic-owned. Showing appreciation for the Hispanic community is showing appreciation for our fellow business leaders, working families, and servicemen and women.

This month, we also acknowledge my fellow Texan and the Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus – Chairman Charlie Gonzalez. The Congressional Hispanic Caucus has worked hard to advance the needs and interests of the Hispanic community. Hispanic Heritage Month is just one way that we can show our appreciation for their many contributions and celebrate the diversity of our great Nation.”

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U.S. Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson is the highest-ranking Texan on the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure and a senior member of the Science Committee. She represents the 30th Congressional District of Texas, which, includes Downtown Dallas, Fair Park, Oak Lawn, Turtle Creek,Old East Dallas, Pleasant Grove, & South Oak Cliff; all of Balch Springs, DeSoto, Hutchins, Lancaster & Wilmer and parts of Cedar Hill, Duncanville, Ferris, Glenn Heights and Ovilla.