Reps. Tobocman, Accavitti, Acciavatti, Anderson, Bieda, Brown, Byrum, Caswell, Caul, Clack, Condino, Dennis, DeRossett, Ehardt, Elkins, Farhat, Farrah, Gieleghem, Gillard, Hager, Hardman, Hood, Hoogendyk, Hopgood, Huizenga, Hummel, Hunter, Jamnick, Koetje, Kolb, Kooiman, Law, Lipsey, Middaugh, Minore, Mortimer, Murphy, O'Neil, Paletko, Pappageorge, Plakas, Richardville, Rivet, Rocca, Sak, Sheltrown, Shulman, Smith, Spade, Stakoe, Stallworth, Stewart, Tabor, Vander Veen, Voorhees, Waters, Wojno, Woronchak and Zelenko offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 133.

            A resolution to recognize September 15, 2003, through October 15, 2003, as Hispanic Heritage Month.

Whereas, Spanish-speaking peoples have brought to our nation the gifts of law, religion, agriculture, art, music, education, technology, architecture, cuisine, theater and exploration; and

            Whereas, Michigan is fortunate to count among its population a large concentration of citizens of Spanish and Latin American descent,  including those who have lived in Michigan for generations and those who are new to the Great Lakes State, who contribute to Michigan’s economy and society through their commitment to professions, commerce, family and the arts; and

            Whereas, Time and again throughout our nation’s history, Hispanic Americans have faithfully defended the principles of freedom and representative government, and indeed 41 have earned the nation’s highest honor, the Congressional Medal of Honor; and

            Whereas, During the month spanning from September 15 through October 15, Michigan’s Hispanic-American community will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month through a series of special programs featuring Hispanic history, food, dance and art; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body do hereby recognize the month of September 15, 2003, through October 15, 2003, as Hispanic Heritage Month in the state of Michigan, and we encourage all citizens to recognize and applaud the many contributions made by these individuals to enhance the quality of life in this state.