The Serrano Report, Vol. VI, #34

On Capitol Hill

On Wednesday, Congressman Serrano expressed his concerns about the President's plan to increase the number of troops in Afghanistan and to continue the war in Afghanistan. The previous night,  President Obama gave a speech at the United States Military Academy at West Point outlining his plan to increase the number of troops in Afghanistan by 30,000 and to begin withdrawing troops in eighteen months. “I am with the President on many issues, but on Afghanistan, we don’t see eye-to-eye," said Serrano. "I appreciate the difficulty of this decision for him, and also applaud the thoughtful and thorough nature in which he conducted the review. Unfortunately, I do not agree with the conclusion for a number of reasons."

In his statement, Serrano doubted the ability of the Afghan government to be a stable and effective partner. He also expressed concern about the widespread corruption within the government. He also worried that our "preoccupation with ‘winning’ in Afghanistan now will divert our attention from other terrorism hotspots that could become threats," and compared this lack of focus to the diversion of resources caused by the invasion of Iraq.

“When this issue comes to a vote in Congress, I will vote against it," concluded Serrano. "Aside from my concerns about strategy, I believe that it is a cost that our nation can ill-afford, both in lives and dollars. I support the troops, but I believe the most responsible way to do so is by opposing further occupation of Afghanistan.”

Serrano Recognizes World AIDS Day

Tuesday was World AIDS Day, and Congressman Serrano took time to recognize the terrible impact of AIDS, and urge a renewed focus on prevention and treatment.

“To many World AIDS Day is a day of memory; a day to reflect on the losses we have endured over the years and at the same time, celebrate the lives of our friends and loved ones who survive. It is also a day when we recommit ourselves to the fight against this horrible disease. We resolve to work harder to find a cure and in the meantime to reduce transmission rates. We commit ourselves to trying to overcome stigma and fear and to make sure that people that are HIV-positive know it and are given affordable treatment."

New York remains a focal point of the HIV/AIDS crisis in the United States. More than 100,000 New Yorkers are infected with HIV. Many of them are low-income and could be homeless if not for housing programs Serrano has worked to fund. New York City's overall HIV rate is three times the national average, and 21% of New Yorkers living with HIV/AIDS contracted the virus directly through injection drug use.

Recently Congress reauthorized the Ryan White Act, which ensures that HIV/AIDS positive low-income Americans receive treatment. Serrano said that this was “a huge step forward” and “applauded Congress for moving ahead to make sure the success of the original bill was expanded upon.”

Serrano is also working right now to ensure that there is a new tool in the fight against transmission: federally-funded syringe exchange programs. Over the past several years, he has led the effort to lift the senseless ban on federal funding for these programs.  He has worked hard to spread information about the effectiveness of syringe exchange programs, which have been scientifically proven to do more than perhaps anything else to prevent transmission among injection-drug users. “Syringe exchange programs work,” Serrano said. “We are on the verge of lifting the federal funding ban, and I would be honored to say that a part of my legacy as an elected official was to have helped lift these destructive and untenable restrictions.”

“Our community—like the nation and indeed the world--is hit hard by the scourge of HIV/AIDS and there is so much to do to turn it around,” concluded Serrano. “We must continue to battle the epidemic. So on World AIDS Day, we recommit ourselves to the fight against HIV/AIDS, in memory of those we have lost, and in honor of those who survive.”

In the Bronx

Serrano Applauds Sale of Former Ocelot Mortgages

On Wednesday, Congressman Serrano expressed his support for the sale of the mortgages on a collection of severely distressed buildings in the Bronx to a responsible affordable housing developer. Omni New York, the developer that is purchasing the mortgages, has a successful track record of reviving distressed buildings in the borough. Omni, which was co-founded by former Mets first baseman, Mo Vaughn, successfully bid on fourteen mortgages previously owned by a real estate investment company called Ocelot Capital Group. Ocelot defaulted on these mortgages last year and soon thereafter walked away from the properties, leaving the buildings in a state of extreme disrepair.

Omni New York’s bid was accepted by Fannie Mae, the government-controlled mortgage finance company that acquired the debt along with Deutsche Bank last year.  In July, Serrano, along with Senator Schumer, intervened to prevent the mortgages from being sold at open auction to the highest bidder, urging instead that Fannie Mae give priority to a responsible owner who will commit to the long-term rehabilitation and affordability of the properties.

“The announcement that Omni New York is the successful bidder for the Ocelot portfolio is very positive news for the tenants of these troubled buildings,” said Serrano. “From the start of this whole ordeal, I have stood side-by-side with the tenants in saying that the properties must land in good hands and Omni New York has a reputation for responsibly managing its properties. I am sure that under the leadership of Mo Vaughn these buildings will see immediate repairs and the improvements that are so urgently needed.  I applaud the steadfast resolve of Senator Schumer, HPD Commissioner Cestero and all others involved for ensuring a positive outcome to this sad situation.”

Omni New York has committed a million dollars for emergency repairs to the buildings while it pursues foreclosure on the portfolio to acquire complete ownership.

Grant Opportunities