Washington, DC (May 4, 2007) – Today, Congressman Rubén Hinojosa (TX-15) released the following statement:

“Once only celebrated in Mexico and parts of the Southwest, Cinco de Mayo is now a celebration of the rich cultural heritage of all Mexican-Americans across the country.  Since the victory of Mexican forces over the French in 1862, Cinco de Mayo symbolizes Hispanic unity and patriotism.

“As a Hispanic member of Congress, it is of the utmost importance to me to represent the interests of my constituents and of Hispanic-Americans.  Hispanics want what all Americans want: a quality education for their children, the opportunity to succeed, a safe and secure retirement, and access to health care.  Unfortunately, many Hispanics are being left behind.  We need to work to increase high school graduation rates, expand the opportunities for graduate degree attainment at our institutions of higher learning, create opportunities for economic growth and success, and maintain services that provide for health care needs in all our communities.

As part of the largest growing minority group in the country, Hispanics have become an influential economic, political and social force.  They own a record number of small businesses – 1.2 billion, with annual revenues of nearly $200 billion.  The fastest-growing small business sector is Latina-owned firms. This Cinco de Mayo, it is important that we remember the contributions of Hispanic-Americans to our communities and recognize that much more needs to be done.”