The Serrano Report, Vol. IX, #14
On Capitol Hill
Serrano Pleased with Healthcare Decision
On Thursday, the Supreme Court upheld the key aspects of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Congressman Serrano expressed his relief and satisfaction that the health care overhaul would survive. Serrano, along with other Democrats, voted to pass the important legislation two years ago.
"Today’s ruling is a relief and validation that our work to extend health care to all Americans was indeed properly carried out," said Serrano. "As I said when we passed this law, now our children, the sick, the unfortunate, and the destitute will have a path to decent, affordable health care coverage. Our nation will be more economically stable and more compassionate towards those suffering. No longer will people have to fear that a medical calamity will also wipe out all their savings or cause them to lose a house.
"We have seen that our system has worked—Congress passed a law, people felt that it might be unconstitutional, the lower courts were split, and the Supreme Court settled the question. Our system of government has yet again proven itself able to rise above partisanship.
"I urge my Republican colleagues to now work with us to improve this law, and to stop their efforts to repeal it. It is time to admit that this law, much of which is based on Republican ideas, is valid and proper, and above all, necessary. The time has come for them to work together with us to solve problems rather than to continue a partisan quest to undo President Obama’s key achievements.
"Our nation is strongest when we work together and look out for one another. This was the premise of the Affordable Care Act. With today’s ruling, I believe our nation will be stronger both in terms of the health and well-being of our citizens, and also people’s faith in our system of government. Today we have seen a full and complete victory for the American people."
Serrano Responds to Supreme Court Decision in Arizona v. United States
On Monday, the Supreme Court handed down their long-awaited decision in Arizona v. United States, which concerned the issue of whether states could pass their own immigration laws. The Court struck down the parts of the law that added state penalties for immigration violations and that encouraged police officers to stop immigrations solely for checking their immigration status. However, the Court permitted the implementation of a provision allowing police officers in Arizona to check the immigration status of all people with whom they come into contact during routine police matters if the police officers suspect them of being undocumented immigrants. Congressman Serrano responded to the decision, calling it a "partial victory in our immigration debate," but expressed his ongoing concern that allowing implementation of Section 2(B) will result in racial profiling.
"Today is a partial victory in our immigration debate," said Serrano. "Much of Arizona's immigration law is designed to keep undocumented immigrants in the shadows of our society, and I was heartened to see several extremely onerous provisions were overturned. Immigration policy is an area of law that the federal government has already spoken on, and States should not attempt to add a patchwork of additional burdensome and troubling policies. The Court has spoken clearly today against States attempting to undermine federal immigration laws."
"I remain deeply concerned that Section 2(B) of Arizona's law was allowed to stand. It is my belief that this section of the law will lead to rampant racial profiling, and that it is clearly unconstitutional. However, this provision is currently being challenged in court on those other constitutional grounds, and the Court warned that construction of this provision may bring it into conflict with federal immigration laws. I believe it is inevitable that this provision will eventually be overturned, and I know that those of us who advocate for fair and just immigration policies will continue to fight against it.
"I believe that the lasting impact of this ruling is that it shows the continued need for comprehensive immigration reform, and a more humane and just immigration policy. Congress needs to step up to the plate on this issue."
In the Bronx
Serrano Attends Tremont Park Ribbon Cutting
This past Friday, Congressman Serrano joined Bronx Parks Commissioner Hector Aponte, Community Board #6 District Manager Ivine Galarza and community residents to celebrate the completed renovations at Tremont Park. The $4.5 million project included the renovation of two playgrounds along the park’s eastern edge, along with new plantings and benches throughout the site. Students from Community School 211 led attendees in the pledge of allegiance and sang at the celebration.
Congressman Serrano with the students and other attendees at the ribbon cutting
Serrano Presents grants to Three Bronx Health Centers
Last Friday, Congressman Serrano participated in a ceremony to award grants amounting to $1.6 million to three community health centers in the Bronx. Paloma Hernandez from the Urban Health Plan, Eleanor Larrier from the Bronx Community Heath Network Inc and Paul Vitale from Help/PSI, were there to accept the funding for their respective organizations. The funding came through the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Dr. Jaime Torres, the Regional Director for the Department of Health and Human Services in New York, and Ms. Rima Cohen, a Counselor to the Secretary of HHS, attended the event on behalf of HHS. "These grants will help increase the services that are provided by these fine groups," said Serrano after the event. "I was very happy and proud to present the checks to the three groups and to help recognize the great work they all do in our community."
Serrano at the Event
Grant
Grant to Study HIV/AIDS and Substance Abuse
Deadline: July 19, 2012
The National Institute of Drug Abuse recently announced the availability of funding for cohort studies about the relationships between HIV infection and drug use. A successful application should include the population to be studied, drug use within the population, and an identification of high priority research questions that will be addressed by the study. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.
Please visit the National Institutes of Health's website for more information.
For more information about other federal grants please visit grants.gov.