Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim September 15 - October 15, 2026, as Hispanic Latino Heritage Month in the State of New York

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Griffo

Requests the Governor to proclaim September 15–October 15, 2026 as Hispanic Latino Heritage Month in New York, recognizing contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities.

REFERRED TO FINANCE

Summary of Bill: J 2125 (2025-2026) – Memorializing Governor Hochul to proclaim Hispanic Latino Heritage Month

Purpose and intent

The bill is a memorializing resolution directing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim September 15 through October 15, 2026, as Hispanic Latino Heritage Month in the State of New York.

It aligns New York with the national observance of National Hispanic Heritage Month and aims to recognize and honor Hispanic and Latino cultures, history, and contributions within the state.

Key provisions and changes

Formal request: The resolution asks the Governor to issue an official proclamation designating September 15–October 15, 2026, as Hispanic Latino Heritage Month in New York.

Historical context provided: The text includes background on the origin and expansion of National Hispanic Heritage Month (starting with National Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968, later expanded to a month by Congress in 1988) and notes various federal agencies and institutions that observe and honor Hispanic heritage.

Demographic context: Provides statistics about the Hispanic population in the United States and specifically in New York (noting 3,721,000 in New York as of 2022) to underscore the significance of the observance.

Public purpose language: Emphasizes celebrating diversity, acknowledging contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities to New York’s social, cultural, and economic fabric, and promoting cultural pride.

Who would be affected

State-level acknowledgment: The proclamation would be issued by the Governor and publicly mark the designated period as Hispanic Latino Heritage Month within New York.

Communities and institutions: While the bill does not create new programs or funding, the proclamation could influence state-sponsored events, educational programming, and recognition ceremonies during the observance period.

General public: Affects residents of New York by officially recognizing and promoting awareness of Hispanic and Latino heritage during the specified month.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Type of action: A Senate memorializing resolution, not a law, requesting the Governor’s proclamation.

Sponsorship and status: Sponsored by Senator Griffo (co-sponsor) and referred to the Senate Finance Committee on May 20, 2026.

Expected timeline: Requires the Governor to issue a proclamation for September 15–October 15, 2026, if approved/acted upon (the bill itself does not implement programs or funding beyond the proclamation).

Notable details

The resolution highlights the dates of National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15–October 15) and explains why those dates are significant (anniversaries of independence days for several Latin American countries in September and Chile in September 18).

It cites longstanding federal recognition and widespread cultural contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans to the United States and New York.

Bottom line

This bill is a formal request to the Governor of New York to proclaim September 15–October 15, 2026, as Hispanic Latino Heritage Month in New York, aligning state observance with national celebrations and acknowledging the diverse contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities in the state. It does not authorize spending or create new programs, but it may influence state and community-led events and educational activities during the observance period.