Crapo Notes Hispanic Achievements

Washington, DC - Idaho Senator Mike Crapo has co-sponsored a Senate resolution noting the importance children play in promoting Hispanic culture. Crapo's actions come during a week of events honoring Latino history and culture both in Idaho and Washington, DC.

Crapo co-sponsored S. Res. 122, which passed the Senate unanimously. The legislation calls on parents to play particular attention to communicating with their children and was prompted by celebration over the tradition of Mexico's Dia del Nino (Day of the Child).
Crapo staff members from his Southwestern Regional Office in Caldwell and his Eastern Idaho-South Office in Pocatello also participated in the distribution of children's books from the Library of Congress during an event marking Dia del Nino in Caldwell last Thursday. More than five boxes of bilingual and English books were distributed in a joint effort by Senator Crapo and the Idaho Commission on Hispanic Affairs.

Crapo also commended the organizers and participants of many Idaho events to celebrate Cinco de Mayo over the weekend. Celebrations from Idaho Falls to Boise and Nampa have highlighted the traditional May 5th commemoration of Mexican troops defeating the French during an 1862 battle.

"It is one of Idaho's proudest traditions that all of us join with the Hispanic community on these days to celebrate the proud Latino culture," Crapo said. "Although my Senate schedule this year did not permit me to attend in person as I have been able to do in the past, my staff was on hand and represented me well."

Crapo also commended recent winners of Idaho college scholarships announced by the Hispanic Youth Symposium during the group's 20th anniversary event in Sun Valley. Crapo was a past participant in the annual motivational event, sponsored by groups ranging from the U.S. Department of Energy and the Idaho National Laboratory to the Gem State Diversity Initiatives. According to the Idaho National Laboratory, the effort has assisted more than 4,500 students with college tuition by offering scholarships valued at more than $5 million.