The Serrano Report, Vol. VI, #25
On Capitol Hill
House Expands Educational Opportunities
On Thursday, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 3221, a bill that would change federally subsidized student loans into direct student loans and would increase the maximum Pell Grant awards, among other education initiatives. Congressman Serrano voted in favor of the measure, which passed by a vote of 253-171, largely along party lines
The bill would end a program of subsidized student loans, whereby the federal government pays banks to provide affordable loans to college students and would instead have the federal government make the loans directly to students without using banks as intermediaries. This change would save an estimated $87 billion over the next 10 years. Of the savings on federal loans, $40 billion would go towards increasing the maximum Pell Grant award over the same time period from the current $5,350 to $5,685 in 2011 when further increases to the Pell Grant would be indexed to inflation. The Pell Grant provides grants on the basis of need to low-income students who are pursuing higher education, since they are grants and not loans, they do not need to be repaid. The bill would not only increase the amount of the Pell Grant, but would also simplify the application process.
"This is an important improvement in the way we help families send their children to college," said Serrano after the vote. "It doesn't make sense to pay billions of dollars to banks when the federal government can do it more cheaply and more effectively. It is important that we continue to make changes like this so that more students can afford to go to college and can continue to have opportunities to improve their lives free from mountains of debt."
In addition to improvements in the Pell Grant, the bill would make a number of other investments in education, including early education programs, job training programs and improvements in the Perkins Loan program.
Puerto Rico to Begin Receiving Satellite Radio
On Tuesday, Congressman Serrano announced that Puerto Rico would soon begin receiving satellite radio service. Serrano was notified by the FCC on Monday that they had given XM/Sirius permission to begin building the necessary infrastructure to provide a signal across the island. Technical considerations had previously limited XM/Sirius service to the continental United States.
“I have been pushing the FCC for several years now to encourage satellite radio to set up in Puerto Rico because I feel that people on the island should have the same opportunities as every other citizen,” said Serrano, who chairs the Appropriations Subcommittee that oversees the FCC’s annual budget. “There were some technical issues in setting up the complete service in all of Puerto Rico, but XM/Sirius has developed a system that will eliminate those problems. This is an important day for Puerto Rico’s entertainment and media sectors.”
“I have long argued that Puerto Ricans living in Puerto Rico should have the same choices in goods, services and opportunities as those living elsewhere. We do not have second-class citizens in the United States and so I don’t believe that anywhere that citizens live should be treated differently. Today’s may be a smaller victory in that fight, but like every victory, it moves the U.S. citizens living in Puerto Rico closer to equality with other U.S. citizens.”
In the Bronx
Postal Regulatory Commission Field Hearing on Proposed Postal Closures
WHO: The Postal Regulatory Commission
WHAT: The Postal Regulatory Commission is holding a field hearing on the Postal Service's proposal to close a number of post offices around the country. Seven are being considered for closure in the Bronx, and nation wide, more than 400 post offices are under consideration.
WHEN: Wednesday, September 23, 1 PM – 4 PM
WHERE: O’Keefe Commons in O’Hare Hall, Rose Hill Campus, Fordham University, 441 East Fordham Road, The Bronx, New York. Directions: BX12 bus to Bathgate Avenue and Fordham Road/Fordham University entrance
Wholesale Farmers Market Opening on Hunts Point Waterfront
WHO: Patrick Hooker, Commissioner of the New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets; the Office of Congressman Serrano; the NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets; CENYC; the New Fulton Fish Market; partnering New York City agencies; elected officials; and farmers.
WHAT: The Office of Congressman Serrano, the New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets, and the Council on the Environment of New York City (CENYC) are holding a press conference to announce the launch of a newly revived wholesale farmers market in the waterfront parking lot of the New Fulton Fish Market. At the new market, farmers will sell fruits and vegetables by the case, at wholesale prices, directly to the public. Beginning on September 26, the market will be open on Saturdays from 2 am until noon. The press conference will discuss new plans to promote and develop the wholesale farmers market. Light refreshments will be served.
WHEN: Press Conference: Wednesday, September 23, 9 am. (Extended Saturday Market Hours begin September 26, 2 am – 12 pm).
WHERE: New Fulton Fish Market Parking Lot. 800 Food Center Drive, Hunts Point, Bronx. Transit directions: 6 Train to Hunts Point Ave, then transfer to Bx6 Bus to Food Center Drive.
Grant Opportunities
Dance and Choreography Grant
Application Deadline: October 8, 2009
The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) recently announced the availability of funding to promote the rich history and evolution of dance and choreography in the United States. The American Masterpieces program sponsors performances, exhibitions, tours and educational programs with the goal of showcasing the cultural and artistic legacy of the country. State and local governments, school districts, private institutions of higher learning and 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organizations are encouraged to apply.
For more information about this opportunity, please visit the NEA website.
For more information about other government grants, please visit www.grants.gov.