The Serrano Report, Vol. IX, #1
On Capitol Hill
Serrano Opposes SOPA/PIPA
On Wednesday, Congressman Serrano announced his opposition to two pieces of legislation, the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA), and the PROTECT IP Act (PIPA). While, both bills attempt to address issues of copyright infringement on the internet, many companies and individuals have raised concerns about the negative impact of these bills on lawful internet activities, innovation, and cybersecurity.
"The legislation currently being proposed to address copyright violation on the internet may be well intentioned, but it would do more harm than good," said Serrano. "Many constituents have contacted my office with the same message- that SOPA and PIPA need to be rethought. It is heartening to see so many people expressing their feelings to Congress directly and constructively on this issue."
Due to increasing public pressure, the bills in both the House and Senate have now been shelved, at least temporarily.
Serrano Meets with Puerto Rican Mayors
On Wednesday, Congressman Serrano met with a delegation of mayors from Puerto Rico, who were in Washington for a meeting of the National Conference of Mayors. Serrano talked with the mayors about current challenges facing Puerto Rico, including the lack of equality Puerto Rico and the other territories face when competing for community development block grants and other federal programs. Serrano told the mayors that he would continue to work in Congress to make sure that the territories were treated equally.
Serrano with the mayors from Puerto Rico
In the Bronx
Serrano Participates in Harm Reduction Center Ribbon-Cutting
On January 10, Congressman Serrano attended the ribbon cutting ceremony for the substantially expanded CitiWide Harm Reduction Center on 144th Street near Lincoln Hospital. In addition to providing physical and mental health services, the new center is designed to provide services to improve the socio-economic situation of individuals who are struggling with the effects of a substance abuse addiction, HIV/AIDS, or hepatitis C, and who may be homeless.
Serrano cutting the ribbon at the new harm-reduction center
Serrano Mourns Passing of Ruth Fernández
Ruth Fernández, a famous Puerto Rican singer and former member of the Puerto Rican Senate, passed away on January 9 at the age of 92. Congressman Serrano mourned her passing and remembered her long and productive life. He also commended all the work she did to promote the interests of Puerto Rico.
"I had the honor of knowing and participating in many activities with Ruth Fernandez in New York," said Serrano. "As a singer, I saw her perform at the Puerto Rico theater in the Bronx which was located in the neighborhood where I grew up. I also remember her for her charitable work on behalf of different children's organizations. She was also very active with different New York groups such as The National Puerto Rican Day Parade, The Puerto Rican Folkloric Fiesta and the Feast of St. John the Baptist.
"Ruth Fernandez was a pioneer on Spanish language TV in New York along with Bobby Capo and Myrta Silva. For the opening of the Knickerbocker Arena in Albany, NY, I was part of a group with Ruth Fernandez that saw a Frank Sinatra concert. The last time I saw her perform was in a concert in Washington, D.C. with singer Chucho Avellanet. Both as a performer and as an activist, there are so many great moments to remember. We have lost one of the great members of our community."
Serrano Marches in Three Kings Parade
On January 6, Congressman Serrano marched with community leaders, elected officials and thousands of local residents in El Museo del Barrio’s 35th Annual Three Kings Day Parade. The parade featured local school and community groups, along with live music and dancing performances.
Serrano with State Senator José M. Serrano at the Three Kings Day Parade
Grant
Diabetes Treatment Grant
Deadline: April 2, 2012
The National Institutes of Health has announced the availability of funding to study new methods of improving adherence to treatment by adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes. In order to be properly treated, diabetes requires ongoing management by patients and treatment can only be effective if patients follow the treatment procedures. Therefore the NIH is looking to test new treatment strategies that will improve adherence among adolescents and young adults. Institutions of higher education, non-profits, and local governments are all encouraged to apply.
For more information about this grant please visit the website for the National Institutes of Health.
For more information about other federal grants please visit grants.gov.