The Serrano Report, Vol. IX, #2

On Capitol Hill

Serrano Meets with Bronx Job Corps Members

On Tuesday, Congressman Serrano met with a group of students from the South Bronx Job Corps Center, an education and training program that helps young people earn a high school diploma or GED while providing vocational training. Serrano, a long time supporter of Job Corps, asked the students about their experiences in the program and then discussed with them the many difficulties currently facing Congress. The South Bronx Job Corps Center student government team, director, and advisors were in D.C. for the annual National Job Corps Association Policy Forum.

Serrano with South Bronx Job Corps Center director Brenda Jenifer (second from left), student government team, and advisors

Environmental Group Gives Serrano 100% Rating

The League of Conservation Voters announced this week that Congressman Serrano received a 100% rating for his 2011 voting record in the House. The League of Conservation Voters, like many advocacy groups, gives out yearly ratings for how Members of Congress vote on issues the group cares about.

“I am so very gratified to have a perfect score on the League of Conservation Voters 2011 scorecard—an honor that reflects my commitment to the environment and conservation,” said Serrano. “I could say that it was difficult to achieve this score, but that wouldn’t be true because to me, the right choices on the individual votes making up the scorecard were very clear.

“I also wish that I could say that I went above and beyond to gain this status with only 23 other Members, but the truth is that we have seen a rigid anti-environment attitude set in here in the House, and it is deeply troubling. For many years there were Republicans that believed in conservation and environmental protection, and we worked closely with them on those issues. You’d never know it now. In fact, it might strike some modern conservatives as shocking to realize that the EPA was set up by Richard Nixon. We must get back to the times when the two parties could work together to preserve and protect the environment. 

“The way I look at it, we are taking these votes to preserve the health and future prosperity and happiness of our children. They are depending on us to pass on a cleaner world than the one we inherited, and the votes this year have a direct impact on that imperative. I hope that in future years there will be more Members joining me with a 100% rating, which will signal that we are moving to defend, care for, and clean up our environment. 

“I commend the League of Conservation Voters for the work that they are doing to push for pro-environment public policy. I appreciate the honor of the 100% score, and look forward to receiving the same such rating in coming years."

Serrano Supports Nomination of Julissa Reynoso

On Tuesday, Congressman Serrano attended the confirmation hearing for Julissa Reynoso, who was nominated by President Obama to serve as the US Ambassador to Uruguay. Reynoso grew up in the Bronx after her parents moved there from the Dominican Republic in 1982. "She will represent our country well and we are all so proud of her," said Serrano after the hearing. "Julissa is one of the shining lights of the New York Dominican Community and her success shows how people from our community can go anywhere and do anything."

Reynoso, along with several other nominees for posts in Latin America, is now waiting to be approved by the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and then confirmed by the full Senate.

Serrano with Reynoso after the hearing

In the Bronx

Serrano Participates in Education Forum

On Monday, January 30th, Congressman Serrano participated in an education forum held by the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute in New York City. The Partnerships for Latino Education Success Forum featured a variety of panels dealing with education issues currently facing the country. Serrano moderated one of the panels, entitled “Young Latinos Perspective – In Their Own Voices”, which featured young people speaking about the challenges they face while trying to get a good education and their plans for contributing to the future of the country. "We were all so impressed with the energy and caring shown by these young people," said Serrano after the event. "It was a great event and I am honored to have been part of it."

Serrano speaking to the panel at the forum

Grant

Emergency Communications for Those with Disabilities Grant

Deadline: March, 2012

The National Council on Disability recently announced the availability of funding to study how to improve the communication of vital information to people with disabilities during an emergency. Applicants should offer a proposal that studies the current state of emergency communications for people with disabities and suggests ways that these can be improved. In addition, the plan should investigate the current legal and regulatory framework to see whether productive changes could be made to the framework. Any group with expertise in this area is encouraged to apply for this opportunity.

For more information about this grant please visit the website for the National Council on Disability. 

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