The Serrano Report, Vol. IX, #6

On Capitol Hill

Serrano Expresses Concerns about IRS Cuts

On Wednesday, Congressman Serrano, in his role as Ranking Member of the Financial Services Appropriations Subcommittee, discussed a variety of issues with the Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service, Douglas Shulman. Serrano's main concern was about the cuts imposed on the IRS in last year's appropriations bill, and how those cuts are affecting the ability of the IRS to bring in the revenue owed to the government.

"The IRS brings in the vast majority of our government's revenue by enforcing our tax laws, and by ensuring that tax cheats to do not get away with breaking the law," said Serrano.  "I believe that  last year's funding cuts will mean that billions of dollars in revenue that is owed to the government will be lost, and that our government's services and programs will suffer as a result.  To me the equation is simple: when you cut the IRS for short term political gain, you do long term damage by increasing our deficit."

Serrano also questioned the Commissioner about the IRS's audit policies, as well as the agency's efforts to ensure they remains responsive to taxpayer questions and problems.

In the Bronx

Serrano Leads Letter Supporting Hunts Point

This week, Congressman Serrano along with Congressmen Joe Crowley and Paul Tonko spearheaded a letter, signed by New York’s entire Congressional Delegation, which was sent in support of the Hunts Point Terminal Produce Cooperative’s application for a critical transportation infrastructure grant. In the letter, the New York officials urged Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Ray LaHood to approve New York City’s Economic Development Council’s TIGER IV grant application for the market, which would provide $15 million in DOT funds to modernize freight rail and improve internal circulation at the Hunts Point Market.  

“The statewide support for improvements to the Hunts Point Market show that its value goes far beyond the many jobs and economic activity it supports in the Bronx,” said Rep. Serrano. “As a world class city and state we must have facilities to match. Improving the Hunts Point Market will ensure that it will continue to serve us in top-notch fashion for years to come. Moreover, the upgrades will decrease truck idling and air pollution; a key step forward for the community. It is a win-win scenario for everyone involved.” 

The second largest food hub in the world, Hunts Point Market serves more than 22 million people per year. The Market sources almost 15% of its produce from New York during the peak growing season, supporting almost 200 large farms located throughout the State. The Market also provides thousands of jobs in the Bronx community and helps boost economic activity in the area. In December, Governor Cuomo announced that Hunts Point Market will receive $29.5 million to modernize its facility through the New York City Regional Councils’ plan to grow the economy and create jobs in New York City.

Serrano Joins Ribbon Cutting for New Health Center

On Friday Congressman Serrano joined Paloma Hernandez, MPH,MA, President and CEO of Urban Health Plan, Inc. along with members of her staff and neighbors from the surrounding Hunts Point community at a ribbon cutting celebrating the opening of Bella Vista Community Health Center. The facility will house Urban Health Plan's medical specialties in Dental, Optometry, Family Practice, Case Management and Health Education.

Serrano with Paloma Hernandez (center) at the ribbon-cutting

Grant

Research about Victimization Grant

Deadline: May 29, 2012 

The National Institute of Justice recently announced the availability of grant funding to study the experiences of racial and ethnic minorities who have been victims of violent crime. The research should study the variety of risk factors that contribute to varying victimization rates within these groups. Experienced, qualified organizations are encouraged to apply.

For more information about this grant please read the announcement (PDF) on the NCJRS website. 

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