OCTOBER WILL SOON BE ITALIAN-HERITAGE MONTH!

GOVERNOR TO SIGN RUMANA/CHIUSANO-SPONSORED RESOLUTION

A resolution sponsored by Assemblyman Scott Rumana and Assemblyman Gary Chiusano designating the month of October each year as Italian-American Heritage Month is scheduled to be signed Sunday by Governor Jon Corzine.

“From Christopher Columbus, who founded the New World in 1492, to Amerigo Vespucci, for whom our great nation is named, to New Jersey’s own - crooner Frank Sinatra, baseball great Yogi Berra and rocker Jon Bon Jovi, Italian Americans have had a long and profound influence on every aspect of our society here in our state and throughout the world,” said Rumana, R-Passaic, Bergen and Essex.

“Therefore, on behalf of the nearly 1.5 million New Jerseyans who are of Italian-American decent, I am pleased to sponsor this resolution in honor of all people of Italian ancestry,” he continued. “Italian Americans represent the largest ethnic class in New Jersey and the fifth largest in the U.S. In Bergen County alone, a district that I represent, nearly 195,000 residents are of Italian heritage.”

The resolution, AJR-97/SJR-73 which takes effect immediately, encourages American history classes, during the month of October, to discuss and examine the contributions Italian-Americans have made to the nation.

“The Italian community has contributed much to our state and our country, and at a time when so much negative stereotyping exists, I believe that recognizing the Italian culture and the efforts of those who brought it to New Jersey is appropriate,” said Chiusano, R-Sussex, Morris and Hunterdon. “This resolution will send a positive message that we appreciate the efforts of those of Italian descent who make New Jersey a better place to live and work.”

Senate Republican members Kevin O’Toole, R-Bergen, Essex, Passaic, and Anthony Bucco, R-Morris, co-sponsored the Senate version of the resolution.