The Serrano Report, Vol. IX, #18

On Capitol Hill

Serrano Joins Other Members of Congress to Commemorate September 11th

On Tuesday, Congressman Serrano joined other Members of Congress on the steps of the Capitol to remember those who were killed on September 11th, 2001 and the heroes who were there to help on that tragic day and the months that followed. "Today we remember the innocent people who were killed on that horrible morning 11 years ago," said Serrano after the event. "We honor the bravery of the heroes who sought to help. We rededicate ourselves to the fight against terrorism and extremism. And above all, we vow never to forget."

Members of Congress on the steps of the Capitol

Serrano Supports History of Hispanics in Congress

On Monday, the House of Representatives passed H.Con.Res. 132, a resolution introduced by Congressman Dan Lungren along with Congressman Serrano that increases funding for the continuing publication of the book Hispanic Americans in Congress.

"This is an important step in the growth of the Hispanic community, both in Congress and around the United States," said Congressman Serrano.  "In 1994, as Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, I introduced the initial legislation to produce this important historical document, which helps document the history of Hispanic American participation in our legislative body.  It was my hope then, as it is now, that this book helps show young Hispanic children everywhere that all dreams are possible.  I am glad that today we are able to expand access to this important record."

The resolution passed this week allows for more funding to be spent publishing this book.  The increased funding will allow for more copies of the book to be printed, and will allow the book to accommodate the increasing number of Hispanic members of Congress.  Additionally, for the first time, the resolution will allow for three similar documents, Hispanic Americans in Congress, Women in Congress, and Black Americans in Congress, to be published and distributed in an electronic format.

In the Bronx

Serrano Participates in Night Out Against Crime

During the August recess, Congressman Serrano participated in several National Night Out Against Crime events held by the 40th, 41st, 43rd and 48th police precincts respectively. "It is important for community residents and the police to come together in support of our neighborhoods and to help reduce crime," said Serrano after the events. "It was wonderful to see so much enthusiasm and interest in improving safety in our communities."

Serrano speaking during one of the National Night Out Against Crime events

Serrano Supports New Businesses in the Bronx

On August 20, Congressman Serrano joined Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. in support of targeted legislation (H.R. 4032 in the House) that would provide tax breaks to encourage the formation of new businesses. "This important bill could help spark the growth tech start-ups in the Bronx and create new jobs in the borough, " said Serrano. "I am pleased to work with Senator Gillibrand in support of this legislation that would help new businesses offset their initial costs by increasing the deduction for their start-up costs from $5,000 to $10,000. This is the kind of targeted legislation that could make a direct difference in our local economy."

Serrano speaking during the event at Sunshine Bronx

Serrano Races for Cancer Research

On August 12, Congressman Serrano ran the Damon Runyon 5k Race inside Yankee Stadium. The 3.1 mile race raised $715,000 for cancer research, with all the proceeds going to support the cancer research funded by the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation. The race course followed the concourses, ramps, and stairs to the top of the stadium, and included  two laps around the full playing field. "It is an amazing experience to run through Yankee stadium and to have two laps around the field itself," said Serrano after the race. "It was a great race and in support of a great cause."

Serrano running the 5k

Grant

Robotic Research Grant

Deadline: December 11, 2012

The National Science Foundation recently announced the availability of grant funding to accelerate the development of robots that work cooperatively with people. The purpose of the program is to develop the next generation of robots by focusing on new applications for robots. Academic, business, and non-profit organizations, as well as collaborations among these groups, are encouraged to apply.

Please visit the National Science Foundation's website for more information.

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