"New Jersey has a strong, proud Italian heritage," said Governor Corzine. "Today, it's only appropriate that we set-aside one month each year to celebrate and observe these contributions. From politics, business, sports, arts and entertainment, in virtually every field, Italian-Americans have shaped and continue to enrich the quality and character of life in the Garden State."   

The resolution encourages discussion and examination of the contributions Italian-Americans have made to New Jersey as well as celebrating Italian American Heritage Month with appropriate activities and observances throughout the state.   

"It is fitting and proper to permanently designate October as the month honoring the significant accomplishments and contributions of the Italian-American community," said Assemblyman Fred Scalera (D-Essex/Bergen/Passaic). "More than 1.5 million New Jerseyans - or 18 percent of the state population - are of Italian descent, and Italian-Americans have made many crucial contributions to the history of the United States and New Jersey. We hope people throughout the state will take time to recognize the Italian-American heritage, but we're also encouraging American history classes during Italian-American Heritage Month to discuss and examine the contributions Italian-Americans have made to this country. It's a rich and historic heritage, and today is day of pride for all Italian-Americans." 

New Jersey, with its 1.5 million residents of Italian descent, is the state with the second highest population of Italian-Americans, behind New York (2.7 million). California (1.45 million) is third, followed by Pennsylvania (1.4 million) and Florida (1 million). 

"The Italian American community has contributed so much to the rich cultural and historical tapestry in New Jersey," said Senator Joseph F. Vitale, D-Middlesex.  "We owe it to the families of Italian heritage who call the Garden State home to honor and celebrate those contributions.  Moving forward, every October in New Jersey will be a chance to appreciate all that Italian-Americans have given to make our State, our nation, and our world a better place to live." 

According to U.S. Census Bureau estimates, 1 out of 10 Americans has some Italian heritage, bringing the total number of Americans of Italian descent to approximately 26 million.  In addition, Italian Americans are the fifth largest ethnic group in the United States after German, Irish, English and African Americans. 

 "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," said Assemblyman Scott T. Rumana (R-Passic/Bergen/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." 

 "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 Assemblyman Gary R. Chiusano, (R-Sussex/Morris/ Hunterdon). 

Recently, Governor Corzine signed an Executive Order to enhance trade and business opportunities between New Jersey and Italy. The Garden State is the third largest exporter of goods to Italy among the 50 states. Likewise, Italy is New Jersey's sixth largest export partner. As a result, the New Jersey-Italy Trade Council will work with the state Office of Economic Growth and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority to promote trade, job creation, and job retention. 

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