2014-03

A Resolution of the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators in Support of H.R. 1217 and S. 568 to Establish the Smithsonian American Latino Museum and Designate the Arts and Industries Building as Its Future Location in Washington, D.C.

SENATOR JUAN PICHARDO (RI) EDUCATION TASK FORCE

WHEREAS, the United States House of Representatives and Senate introduced H.R. 1217 and S. 568, respectively, in March 2013; and

WHEREAS, these companion bills, H.R. 1217 and S. 568, establish within the Smithsonian Institution the Smithsonian American Latino Museum; and

WHEREAS, these companion bills would designate the Arts and Industries Building on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., as the future location for the Smithsonian American Latino Museum and begin a planning period to identify viable fundraising and construction models for the construction and operation of the Museum; and

WHEREAS, the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators (NHCSL) recognizes and appreciates that the Latino community is vital to American life, art, culture, and industry as well as our neighborhoods and communities; and

WHEREAS, NHCSL supports the establishment of the proposed National Museum on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. amongst the other landmark Smithsonian Institutions, to highlight the history, contributions and successes of the Latino community, the largest demographicminority population in the United States; and

WHEREAS, NHCSL encourages the creation of a Smithsonian American Latino Museum, through its support of H.R. 1217 and S. 568, to honor Latinos and their significant contributions to our culture and society; and

WHEREAS, NHCSL’s support will add impetus to Congressional action, and will also help the NHCSL to be seen as active in matters of local and national cultural affairs.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE NATIONAL HISPANIC CAUCUS OF STATE LEGISLATORS endorses and offers its support for H.R. 1217 and S. 568, proposed federal legislation that would establish a National Smithsonian American Latino Museum and designate the Arts and Industries Building as its future location in Washington, D.C.

THIS RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED ON OCTOBRE 03, 2014 AT THE NHCSL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE & BUSINESS BOARD OF ADVISOR MEETING HELD IN WASHINGTON, DC AND RATIFIED ON DECEMBER 9, 2014 AT THE NHCSL ANNUAL MEETING HELD IN SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO.