Recognizes the heritage, culture, and extensive contributions of Latinas to the United States, while also acknowledging the need to address ongoing disparities they face.
Catherine Cortez Masto
Senator
NV
This resolution recognizes and celebrates the heritage, culture, and significant contributions of Latinas to the United States across various sectors, including the economy, arts, sciences, and military. It also acknowledges the economic disparities Latinas face, such as the wage gap, and emphasizes the importance of investing in their future to address these challenges and ensure their continued growth and impact.
Resolution Honors Latina Contributions, Puts Spotlight on $2.9M Career Wage Gap Reality
This resolution formally recognizes the significant heritage, culture, and contributions of the approximately 31 million Latinas living in the United States. It highlights their economic power, noting a $1.3 trillion contribution to the U.S. gross domestic product in 2021, and acknowledges their presence across diverse fields. The resolution serves a dual purpose: celebrating these achievements while also pointing out persistent inequalities, specifically the significant wage gap.
More Than Just Numbers: Acknowledging Broad Impact
The resolution goes beyond statistics to paint a picture of deep-rooted influence. It acknowledges Latinas' roles in shaping U.S. history from the start, their service in the Armed Forces (citing approximately 45,710 currently serving), and their breakthroughs in demanding fields like science and technology. From civil rights activism and the arts to medicine and journalism, the text emphasizes the breadth of Latina impact. Making up about one in six women in the country, the resolution underscores that these contributions aren't niche, they're integral to the fabric of American society.
The Fine Print: Facing the Wage Gap
While celebratory, the resolution doesn't shy away from a major economic hurdle. It explicitly calls out the wage gap, stating that Latinas working full-time, year-round earn just 58 cents for every dollar paid to White, non-Hispanic men. The text puts a stark number on the potential long-term consequence: over $2.9 million in lost wages over a 40-year career for those with a professional degree. This acknowledgment is tied directly to the resolution's call to invest in the future of Latinas and address the obstacles hindering their ability to reach full potential and equal standing.
Looking Ahead: Recognition and Reality
Ultimately, this resolution acts as an official commendation and a statement of awareness. It celebrates Latina successes while formally recognizing that systemic issues, like pay inequity, still need addressing. By highlighting both the massive contributions and the significant economic disparities, alongside the projection that the Latina population will reach nearly 49 million by 2060, the resolution frames the conversation around both earned recognition and the practical need for continued progress towards equality.