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SR 1136

SENATE RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING AND ACKNOWLEDGING JUNE OF 2025 AS "PORTUGUESE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Pete Appollonio and 9 co-sponsors

Declares June 2025 in Rhode Island as Portuguese American Heritage Month to recognize contributions and promote awareness of Portuguese American culture.

06/05/2025 Senate read and passed
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Bill Summary · SR 1136

Summary of Senate Resolution SR 1136

Overview

  • Bill Type: Senate Resolution (SR)
  • Number: SR 1136
  • Title: Proclaiming and Acknowledging June of 2025 as "Portuguese American Heritage Month" in the State of Rhode Island
  • Introduced: June 5, 2025
  • Status: Senate read and passed on June 5, 2025; recommended for immediate consideration
  • Sponsor/Introducers: Senators de la Cruz, Burke, DiPalma, Britto, Raptakis, Urso, Appollonio, Murray, Vargas, and Rogers
  • Purpose: Officially proclaim June 2025 as Portuguese American Heritage Month in Rhode Island to recognize and honor the contributions of Portuguese Americans to the state

What the bill does

  • Declares June 2025 as “Portuguese American Heritage Month” in Rhode Island.
  • Acknowledges the historical and ongoing contributions of Portuguese Americans to Rhode Island’s cultural, educational, economic, and social life.
  • Encourages awareness of Portuguese American heritage, culture, and traditions within the state.
  • Requires the Secretary of State to transmit certified copies of the resolution to:
    • Governor of Rhode Island
    • Prime Minister and President of Portugal
    • Vice-Consulate of Portugal in Providence
    • Rhode Island Day of Portugal nonprofit organization

Key provisions and context

  • Recognizes the Portuguese American community as a substantial and vibrant part of Rhode Island’s population with active communities in multiple cities (e.g., Bristol, East Providence, Cumberland, Pawtucket, Portsmouth, Tiverton, Warren, Cranston, West Warwick, Newport, Providence).
  • Highlights cultural celebrations such as the Rhode Island Day of Portugal Heritage Festival and various church and club festivals that showcase Portuguese culture (music, dance, food, traditions).
  • Notes the historical impact of Portuguese Americans in industries like whaling, fishing, textiles, and jewelry.
  • Includes historical and cultural touchpoints:
    • The Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Providence (founded 1886; oldest continuously active Portuguese American church in the U.S.).
    • Early Portuguese Jewish figures and sites (e.g., Jacob Rodrigues Rivera, Aaron Lopez, Isaac Touro; Touro Synagogue in Newport).
    • The Portuguese Discovery Monument at Brenton Point, honoring nautical history and Prince Henry’s era of exploration.
  • Connects the month to Portugal’s National Day (June 10) and the legacy of Luís de Camões.

Who is affected

  • Portuguese American community in Rhode Island and supporters of Portuguese culture.
  • State government and its ceremonial practices.
  • The Rhode Island Day of Portugal nonprofit organization (recipient of a certified copy of the resolution).
  • The general public, through increased awareness and recognition of cultural heritage.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced and acted upon on June 5, 2025.
  • Classified as a resolution (symbolic/ceremonial, not a statute with fiscal or regulatory effect).
  • Following Senate passage, typical next steps would involve transmission to the House for concurrent or final action, and then to the Governor for signing into law (though resolutions generally do not require signature as law; they are ceremonial declarations).

Impact

  • Provides formal state-level recognition of Portuguese American heritage.
  • Encourages cultural awareness and may support related events and programming during June 2025.
  • Strengthens ties with the Portuguese community and international connections through formal acknowledgment.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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