NJ Governor Signs Bill Establishing ‘Puerto Rico Day’

TRENTON – Gov. Phil Murphy signed SJR129 Aug. 15, designating the third Sunday of September of each year as “Puerto Rico Day” in New Jersey.
According to a release, New Jersey is home to the third largest Puerto Rican population in the continental United States.
 “This resolution recognizes the many contributions that Puerto Ricans and those of Puerto Rican heritage have contributed to our state,” stated Murphy.
“Puerto Ricans are our teachers, our doctors, our small business owners, and our U.S. Supreme Court justices. The third Sunday of this September and every September from now on will be dedicated to the nearly 500,000 Puerto Ricans living in New Jersey and to the countless contributions they make to our state and nation.”
Primary sponsors of the resolution include Sens. M. Teresa Ruiz, Nellie Pou, and Nilsa Cruz-Perez, and Assemblymembers Eliana Pintor Marin, Shanique Speight, and Yvonne Lopez.
“Designating the third Sunday of September of each year as Puerto Rico Day in New Jersey signifies the unique relationship between the Garden State and the island of Puerto Rico,” stated Senate President Pro Tempore M. Teresa Ruiz.
“It is a chance to celebrate the Puerto Rican people, language and culture and their many contributions to the state of New Jersey. As the first Puerto Rican woman elected to the Senate, it is an honor to have put forth legislation that continues to highlight one of our greatest assets in the state, our diversity.”
“Puerto Ricans have long been one of our states largest minority populations. We have helped build, create and lead New Jersey in immeasurable ways,” stated Sen.Nilsa Cruz-Perez. “It’s only right that our state acknowledges these efforts and contributions from a community that has given so much throughout our long and storied history. I look forward to celebrating with everyone next month for New Jersey’s first Puerto Rican Day.”
“New Jersey truly is a melting pot of various cultures and that diversity is what makes our state great,” stated Sen. Nellie Pou. “Our state has one of the largest Puerto Rican populations in the country and as a proud Puerto Rican, I am glad to have had the opportunity to sponsor legislation that recognizes and celebrates a community whose influence on New Jersey has undeniably shaped the great state we have today.”
“The Puerto Rican Community has long contributed to the diversity present in New Jersey. Puerto Ricans, who comprise more than 5 percent of the state’s total population, and growing, continue to play a major role in all aspects of New Jersey’s cultural, social, political and economic life, commented Assembly bill sponsors in a joint statement.
“Puerto Ricans and their descendants continue to be present and active throughout New Jersey communities. From the first Puerto Ricans who arrived at Picatinny Arsenal in Dover, NJ during the First World War to Borinqueneer Veterans who were Presidential Gold Medal Recipients of the Korean War, Puerto Ricans have made significant contributions to the Garden State and the nation.” the sponsors continued.
“The State of New Jersey and Puerto Rico also continue to have a strong sense of shared community, perhaps best evidenced recently in the immediate and generous action taken by New Jersey residents to offer assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. “Formally designating an annual Puerto Rico Day acknowledges the meaningful relationship between Puerto Rico and New Jersey and serves to encourage residents to celebrate the people, language and culture of Puerto Rico.”