Hoyer Celebrates Cinco de Mayo
"Cinco de Mayo is a day of celebration for millions of Americans to commemorate a significant day in Mexico's history when the Mexican people showed courage in the face of adversity and defeated the French Army. This day of commemoration gives all Americans an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the political, cultural and economic contributions of Mexican-Americans to our nation.
"The nation's Hispanic population is booming and swelled by 58 percent in the past decade, making it the fastest growing minority group. In Maryland, 4.3% of our state's population, nearly 230,000 people, are Hispanic.
"Additionally, there are a record 2 million Hispanic-owned small businesses generating annual revenues of almost $300 billion. Hispanics are increasingly engaged in public service at all levels, including 28 Hispanic Members in the U.S. Congress.
"Making sure that Hispanic businesses have access to capital, fighting to raise achievement and reduce disparities in our schools, and improving the way that immigrants can obtain U.S. citizenship are critical issues that as a nation we must be focused on.
"As I celebrate Cinco de Mayo with Hispanic Marylanders, let me be clear about my continued commitment to ensure Latino businesses flourish and all Maryland families prosper."
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