The Serrano Report, Vol. VI, #29
On Capitol Hill
Serrano Applauds Progress of Healthcare Bill
Congressman Serrano applauded the passage of the final committee version of the healthcare reform bill in the Senate on Tuesday. The Senate Finance Committee was the last of five congressional committees to pass a bill. The three House committee versions are in the process of being melded into one bill that will be brought to the House for consideration in coming weeks. The Senate will do the same with its two bills.
“Americans have waited far too long already for serious healthcare reform. It is good to see that the process has started to move forward again,” said Congressman Serrano. “I maintain my commitment to a public option in the final legislation—without it there really is no true reform. There are quite a few more difficult hurdles in front of us, but I believe that one of the primary messages of the last election was that the American people want healthcare reform that extends coverage to all. The time has come to deliver for them.
“I would prefer to be debating a universal government-run health care bill instead of merely a public option, but unfortunately not enough of my colleagues have been convinced of that point of view. If, however, we can significantly cut the numbers of uninsured, and make insurance more affordable, then we will have achieved a big victory. I believe we are on the road to achieving that victory."
Serrano Meets with Senators from Puerto Rico
On Wednesday, Congressman Serrano met with Senator Margarita Nolasco, Vice-President of the Puerto Rico State Senate, and another Puerto Rican State Senator, Luz (Lucy) Arce Ferrer. They came to Washington to advocate for fair and equal treatment for Puerto Rico in upcoming health reform legislation. Congressman Serrano continues to support equal treatment of Puerto Rico and all other territories in Congressional efforts to expand health care coverage.
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Serrano, Senator Ferrer and Senator Nolasco with the Puerto Rican quarter design |
In the Bronx
Serrano Celebrates 40 Years of El Museo
On Saturday, October 17th, El Museo del Barrio will hold an open house celebrating its 40th Anniversary. In recognition of the museum's achievements and continuing contributions to New York's Latino community, Congressman Serrano will submit a statement for the record in the House to honor El Museo.
"There is much to be proud of when we speak of El Museo: the beautiful physical space it now occupies; the extraordinary talent it continues to attract; the superb quality of its collections; and the professionalism and dedication of its staff," said Serrano. "But for me what stands out most about El Museo is that it has never stopped growing and evolving. Much like the community in which it makes its home, El Museo continues to reinvent itself for new waves of residents and new generations of New Yorkers."
El Museo was founded in 1969 as a response to the underrepresentation of Puerto Rican and other Latino artists in New York's mainstream museums. Today, it is New York's leading Latino cultural institution. Saturday's celebration will feature the Grand Opening of El Museo's newly renovated building. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, please visit El Museo's website.
Early Education and Childcare Spots Still Available
The City of New York recently announced that it still has more than 5,000 places available for three- and four-year-olds in its pre-K and childcare programs across the five boroughs. The registration deadline for enrolling children in the programs is October 30. For more information on these pre-K programs, go to the New York City website here. For more information about the programs in general you can visit nyc.gov or call 311.
Grant Opportunities
Humanities Grant
Application Deadline: January13, 2010
The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) recently announced the availability of grants under their America's Media Makers Program. The aim of the program is to fund projects in a variety of formats that educate and encourage discussion about humanities scholarship and how the humanities affect our culture and history. Nonprofit organizations and state and local governments are encouraged to apply.
For more information about this opportunity, please read the NEH’s full description.
For information on other government grants, please go to: www.grants.gov.