The Serrano Report, Vol. VI, #24
On Capitol Hill
Serrano Commemorates September 11th
Today, Congressman Serrano released the following statement on the eighth anniversary of September 11th:
“Today we remember the victims of the fateful morning of September 11th, 2001. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families as we honor their memories.
“Our nation suffered a grievous attack that clear morning, which failed in its intention to break the spirit of the American people. Through our shared pain, we realized that we have so much in common with our fellow citizens.
“We lost so much on 9/11, but out of it, we have a new sense of patriotism and dedication to the freedoms and rights that we hold dear. We will never forget that day, with its pain and loss but also its displays of selfless heroism and courage."
Serrano Applauds President's Speech on Health Care, Urges Reforms
On Wednesday, President Obama addressed a joint session of Congress to lay out his position on health care reform and to call on Congress to enact universal coverage. After the speech, Congressman Serrano applauded the President's speech, saying the “message, tone, and timing were right on the money.”
“I couldn’t agree more with the President that the time has come for action on health care reform,” said Serrano. “Every day that the debate drags on, the opponents of change gain strength. On Wednesday night, the President issued a strong warning that this legislation must move toward a final compromise that can be passed and sent to his desk.”
“Many in Washington have forgotten what this debate is all about. But constituents in my district certainly know that delaying and debating means that they have to continue to live with a broken system. They know that relatives, friends, and neighbors can’t afford insurance, or are going without treatment, or are one medical diagnosis away from financial ruin. They know that we cannot continue to pay premiums that increase in double-digit amounts every year. They know that the time has come to fix the system. Now it is time for us in Congress to finish the work.”
Serrano has long supported reforming the nation’s health care system. He is a co-sponsor of H.R. 676, a bill authored by Congressman John Conyers, which would move the nation to a single-payer, government-run system. Although this approach is not part of the current reform bill, Serrano is supportive of the inclusion of a public option in the reform package.
Serrano Calls for USPS to Move to Electric Vehicles
On Thursday, Congressman Serrano released the findings of a Postal Service report on the feasibility, cost, and savings associated with the adoption of plug-in electric delivery vehicles by the Postal Service, which has the nation’s largest civilian fleet of vehicles. Serrano, who chairs the House Appropriations Financial Services Subcommittee, which oversees the federal payment to the Postal Service, requested the report earlier this year.
“The Postal Service should begin to plan future investments that will save it money in the long run,” said Serrano. “A plug-in electric delivery fleet will not only generate significant savings over time for the Postal Service, but it will also create unique opportunities for revenue generation through vehicle-to-grid technology.”
Vehicle-to-grid, or “V2G”, is a technology which manages the storage and output of electricity by batteries connected to the power grid. V2G also provides the “cash-back” feature of electric vehicles (EVs), in which power wholesalers in some markets pay fees for electricity storage and grid regulation services. The study found that a USPS electric vehicle fleet would be well-positioned to meet that need and earn revenues for the USPS from electricity wholesalers.
“By creating a demand for electric vehicles, the Postal Service will help jumpstart electric vehicle manufacturing in hard-hit manufacturing states while reducing its own environmental impact in congested urban areas like The Bronx,” added Serrano. “I see it as a win-win for everyone. Investing in the greening of this fleet, which includes 146,000 delivery trucks, should be actively pursued.”
The study, which was completed by the Postal Service’s Office of Inspector General, looked at the costs and benefits of an initial pilot investment in 3,000 new EVs to replace delivery vehicles that are rapidly approaching the end of their service life.
“Despite the financial troubles the Postal Service is facing, planning for a greener, lower-impact future is imperative,” continued Serrano. “In this moment of great crisis for the USPS, this study has unearthed some seeds of opportunity.”
The full report that Serrano requested can be downloaded here.
Grant Opportunities
Health Care Employment Grant
Application Deadline: October 5, 2009
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) recently announced the availability of funds to provide training and placement services to help workers pursue careers in the health care sector. With funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, this program specifically targets high growth and emerging industries within the field of health care and places special emphasis on skill-building and job training. 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organizations are encouraged to apply.
For more information about this opportunity, please visit the DOL website here.
For information on other government grants, please go to: www.grants.gov.