HARRISBURG, Sept. 25, 2012 – The state Senate has unanimously passed a resolution, sponsored by Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione, designating Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 “Hispanic Heritage Month” in Pennsylvania.

The designation aligns the state with national Hispanic Heritage Month and recognizes the growing contributions of Hispanic Americans including profound success in business, government and military service.

“Hispanic businesses are growing at three times the national average,” Tartaglione said. “The emerging economic significance of the Hispanic community will be part of a stronger and more diverse future economy.”

Hispanic Heritage Month was first recognized in 1988 by President Ronald Reagan, who expanded upon Hispanic Heritage Week begun by President Lyndon Johnson in 1968.

The Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 timing of the designation is intended to coincide with the independence of five Latin American countries (Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatamala, Honduras and Nicaragua.