3 Essex County Lawmakers Praise States New Puerto Rico Day – Belleville, NJ Patch

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — A trio of state legislators from the 29th District are offering high praise for the state’s newly designated “Puerto Rico Day.”

On Thursday, Gov. Phil Murphy signed a resolution that marks the third Sunday of September as annual “Puerto Rico Day” in New Jersey. It takes effect immediately. (Read the full resolution)

The legislation cites Pew Research Center statistics, which say more than five million people of Puerto Rican origin live in the continental United States. In addition, according to the United States Census Bureau, Puerto Ricans account for 27.1 percent of the Latino population in New Jersey, the largest of any Latino group in the state.

Newark has a particularly strong connection to the U.S. commonwealth, having been the home to a large influx of Puerto Rican immigration throughout the 20th century. The city has been holding an annual Puerto Rican Day Parade on the third Sunday of September every year since 1962.

After Murphy signed the resolution, three lawmakers from District 29 – which includes Belleville and Newark – gave a resounding thumbs-up.

Sen. M. Teresa Ruiz said the new day of celebration signifies the “unique relationship” the Garden State has with the island of Puerto Rico.

“It’s a chance to celebrate the Puerto Rican people, language and culture and their many contributions to the state of New Jersey,” Ruiz said. “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.”

Assembly members Eliana Pintor Marin and Shanique Speight of the 29th District – speaking with their peer Yvonne Lopez – said that the Puerto Rican community has long contributed to the state’s diversity.

They issued a joint statement supporting the resolution on Thursday:

“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.

“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 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.”

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