Heinrich Honors Hispanic Heritage Month, Becomes Member Of First-Ever Hispanic-Serving Institutions Senate Caucus

WASHINGTON (Sept. 24, 2021) – In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) is joining the first-ever Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) Senate Caucus.

“Our Hispanic community has long helped write the economic, social, and cultural story of New Mexico and the nation. This month, we celebrate the remarkable accomplishments and contributions made by the Hispanic community and their role in building a more vibrant and prosperous America,” said Heinrich. 

Heinrich added, “I’m excited to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by joining the Hispanic-Serving Institutions Senate Caucus led by my friends and colleagues, Senators Padilla and Menendez. I'm proud to support New Mexico’s universities and colleges that are nearly all HSIs and play an important role in developing our next generation of leaders. I remain committed to fighting for the issues that matter most to New Mexico’s Hispanic community and expanding opportunities for a bright future.” 

Hispanic Heritage Month runs from Sept. 15-Oct. 15 and recognizes the culture, heritage, history, and contributions of the Hispanic community in New Mexico and across the nation.

The Hispanic-Serving Institutions Senate Caucus was recently created by U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) to educate Members of Congress about the contributions and importance of allocating adequate resources to the 569 Hispanic-Serving Institutions found in 185 congressional districts in 28 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.

Senator Heinrich also co-sponsored a resolution designating the week of Sept. 13 as “National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week.” Almost all of New Mexico’s colleges and universities are HSIs, defined as degree-granting institutions where total Hispanic enrollment constitutes no less than 25 percent of the total enrollment. HSIs play a critical role in educating Hispanic youth and improving the communities in which they are located.