Governor Kathy Hochul issued a proclamation celebrating Puerto Rican Heritage Month in New York State. The month-long observance will recognize the longstanding, strong partnership between New York State and Puerto Rico and highlight the important contributions of people of Puerto Rican descent in the state. The proclamation also acknowledges the impact of Hurricane Fiona, which struck the island this past September, and ongoing support, supplies, and other relief efforts to people in Puerto Rico and its government.

"With one of the largest Puerto Rican populations in our nation, New York has a rich history and a long connection with the people of Puerto Rico," Governor Hochul said. "By designating November as Puerto Rican Heritage Month, we are honoring and celebrating the longstanding contributions of Puerto Rican communities across the state in all areas - business, arts and culture, science and technology, athletics, public service, and more."

The annual observance of Puerto Rican Heritage Month will highlight the traditions and customs of the Puerto Rican community, as well as its accomplishments here in New York, across America, and in Puerto Rico. The month-long celebration will spotlight the contributions of Puerto Rican communities across New York on social, cultural, and economic development of the state and nation and how they have established strong foundations of life in the neighborhoods of New York City and across the state.

The proclamation also acknowledged the devastating impacts of Hurricane Fiona on the island and the resiliency that Puerto Ricans have showed in the aftermath. Since Hurricane Maria, New York has helped Puerto Rico secure billions of dollars in federal funding from FEMA to recover and rebuild the island's energy infrastructure, in addition to NYPA performing technical assessments of powerplants and substations on the island. In the wake of Hurricane Fiona, the worst storm to hit the island since Hurricane Maria, Governor Hochul announced New York State actions to assist Puerto Rico in relief efforts. These efforts have further strengthened New York's long-standing commitment to help Puerto Rico in its reconstruction and recovery.