ASSEMBLY JOINT RESOLUTION

No. 85

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

222nd LEGISLATURE

PRE-FILED FOR INTRODUCTION IN THE 2026 SESSION

Sponsored by:

Assemblywoman CARMEN THERESA MORALES

District 34 (Essex)

SYNOPSIS

     Designates September 20 of each year as "Puerto Rican Day of Remembrance."

CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT

     Introduced Pending Technical Review by Legislative Counsel.

A Joint Resolution designating September 20 of each year as “Puerto Rican Day of Remembrance.”

Whereas, Puerto Ricans have been integral to New Jersey’s cultural, economic, and social fabric, with significant migration during the 1950s to cities like Trenton, contributing to the State’s manufacturing economy; and

Whereas, On September 20, 2017, Hurricane Maria made landfall in Puerto Rico, causing catastrophic damage, including the destruction of the power grid and widespread flooding, leading to a humanitarian crisis; and

Whereas, The storm resulted in significant loss of life, with estimates suggesting nearly 5,000 fatalities, and caused extensive displacement of residents; and

Whereas, New Jersey is home to a vibrant Puerto Rican community, with approximately 500,000 residents of Puerto Rican heritage, enriching the State’s cultural diversity; and

Whereas, Designating September 20 of each year as “Puerto Rican Day of Remembrance” in New Jersey will honor the contributions of Puerto Ricans to the State and commemorate those who lost their lives during Hurricane Maria; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

     1.  September 20 of each year is designated as “Puerto Rican Day of Remembrance” in the State of New Jersey to recognize the resilience, culture, and contributions of the Puerto Rican community, and to remember those who perished during Hurricane Maria.

     2.  The Governor is respectfully requested to annually issue a proclamation calling upon public officials, educators, organizations, and citizens of this State to observe the day with appropriate activities and programs.

     3.  This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.

STATEMENT

     This joint resolution designates September 20 of each year as “Puerto Rican Day of Remembrance” in New Jersey.

     Puerto Ricans have been integral to New Jersey’s cultural, economic, and social fabric, and have positively contributed to the State’s manufacturing economy.  On September 20, 2017, Hurricane Maria made landfall in Puerto Rico, causing catastrophic damage, including the destruction of the power grid and widespread flooding, leading to a humanitarian crisis.  The storm resulted in significant loss of life, with estimates suggesting nearly 5,000 fatalities, and caused extensive displacement of residents.

     Designating September 20 of each year as “Puerto Rican Day of Remembrance,” will honor the contributions of Puerto Ricans to the State and commemorate those who lost their lives during Hurricane Maria.