The Serrano Report, Vol. IX, #17

On Capitol Hill

Serrano Against Republican Tax Plan

On Wednesday and Thursday, Congressman Serrano voted against H.R. 8, a Republican effort to extend the Bush tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans. Instead, he voted for a Democratic alternative that would have extended tax cuts for 98 percent of all Americans.

"Republicans are attempting to hold the middle class hostage in order to try to extend tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans," said Serrano. "The Republican tax policy is neither fair nor balanced- it will hurt hard working Americans and increase our deficit. We need to pursue a more balanced approach by extending tax cuts for Americans who need it the most while asking the wealthiest in our society to give a little bit back in order to help balance the budget. The House of Representatives should follow the Senate's lead and pass H.R. 15, which does just that."

H.R. 15, the Democratic alternative the Republican tax efforts, mirrors a bill that recently passed the Senate. It extends the Bush tax cuts for 98 percent of Americans, and also extends vital expansions of the American Opportunity Tax Credit, the Earned Income Tax Credit, and the Child Tax Credit. Republicans in the House refused to vote for this alternative when given the chance. The Republican passed bill now moves on to the Senate, where it has no chance of passage.

In the Bronx

Serrano Marches in Bronx Dominican Parade

On Sunday, Congressman Serrano participated in the Bronx Dominican Day Parade which ran along the Grand Concourse from Tremont Avenue to 167th Street. The parade offers an opportunity to celebrate the many contributions that the Dominican community has made to the the Bronx, and to celebrate the culture of the Dominican Republic. "As always, it was a great honor to participate in the parade," said Serrano. "It is a joy to see the whole community come out and celebrate together."

Serrano shaking hands along the parade route

Grant

Family Planning Grant

Deadline: April 1, 2012

The Department of Health and Human Services recently announced the availability of grant funding to help establish and operate voluntary family planning services, with provision for priority service given to low-income families. Family planning services should include clinical family planning, related preventive health services, educational services and counseling, and necessary referral services. Qualified non-profits are encouraged to apply.

Please read the announcement at grants.gov for more information.

For more information about other federal grants please visit grants.gov.