The Serrano Report, Vol. VI, #36
On Capitol Hill
Key Serrano Provision Included in Comprehensive Immigration Reform Package
As the Congressional Hispanic Caucus unveiled their long-awaited comprehensive immigration reform package last week, Congressman Serrano announced that he had successfully included in it the language and spirit of his signature immigration bill, the Child Citizen Protection Act. His language frees the hands of immigration judges to take into account the welfare of American citizen children in deportation proceedings against their parents.
“I am deeply gratified that we were able to include the provisions of the Child Citizen Protection Act in our comprehensive immigration reform package,” said Serrano. “More than any single issue, family unity must be at the heart of any reform efforts. We cannot sanction splitting families up by blindly deporting the parents of children born in this nation.
“The language included allows immigration judges to use their discretion when a child citizen is involved in deportation proceedings—and to use their judgment to ensure an outcome that does not disadvantage the child or children. We do not mandate any outcome, but rather let judges weigh the facts and make a decision. Currently they have no ability to do this and must deport regardless of the impact on a family.
“We would not allow them to use this discretion when people are being deported for violent or serious criminal behavior. This is not a sure-fire way to stay in this country, but rather a step that would allow judges to weigh the facts and act in the best interests of our youngest citizens. Surely we can all agree that citizen children should not be disproportionately punished for mistakes their parents made.
“We have included this measure because it is the compassionate, fair, and American thing to do. Our children deserve no less.”
Serrano Introduces New “e-Drive” Bill to Electrify Postal Delivery Fleet
On Wednesday, Congressman Serrano introduced H.R. 4399, the American Electric Vehicle Manufacturing Act, also known as the "e-Drive” bill. If passed, the bill would begin a process of testing and deploying 20,000 electric-drive delivery vehicles for the U.S. Postal Service, which operates the nation’s largest civilian vehicle fleet. Besides the environmental benefits and vast fuel savings the program would achieve, the bill’s passage would also position the Postal Service fleet as a key energy storage asset for the nation’s power grid. Through ‘vehicle-to-grid’ technologies, new and converted electric postal vehicles would serve as power storage devices for the grid, helping ease peak loads and store energy from intermittent or fluctuating sources, like wind power systems.
“The e-Drive bill is a bold step to help the USPS achieve sustainability from an operational standpoint. It also will help them lead the greening of our nation’s delivery fleets and jump-start the electric vehicle industry in the U.S.,” said Congressman Serrano, Chairman of the House Appropriations Financial Services and General Government subcommittee, which oversees the federal payment to the USPS. “Our nation must become a leader in green technologies and leveraging the enormous assets of the USPS provides us with a direct route toward that goal.”
Several postal EVs have been deployed in Serrano’s district since the late 1990’s, which underscored for him the viability and importance of the technology. Serrano recognized, however, that the USPS lacked the resources to make a large-scale investment in fleet-wide purchases.
“Our nation is ready to support an electric vehicle fleet,” added Serrano. “Our power grid would benefit, our industrial base would benefit, our environment would benefit, and under this approach, the USPS, as well as its employees and customers, would benefit. It’s a win-win situation all around. I look forward to passing this bill with my allies in Congress, and the support of the public and private sectors.”
House Passes Jobs Bill
On Wednesday, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 2847, the Jobs for Main Street Act, by a vote of 217-212. This bill will invest in the creation and protection of necessary jobs, including teachers, police, firefighters and many more. H.R. 2847 will also provide emergency relief to those hit the hardest in this recession by extending unemployment and healthcare benefits for workers who lose their jobs.
“This legislation provides important investments in areas that will create jobs, and expands support for those attempting to find work in this difficult economy," said Serrano. "For all that the government has done to help Wall Street, there is more that we need to do to help ordinary Americans. I was proud to vote in favor of this bill, and to reassure all Americans that their government has not abandoned them.”
Among other things, H.R. 2847 includes significant investments in infrastructure, provides funding to help increase hiring among first responders and other key jobs in the economy, and allocates funding for job training in high growth industries, like health care and energy. In addition, the bill helps provide unemployed workers with benefits to help them during tough economic times.
The bill now moves on to the Senate for their consideration.
Serrano Helps US Mint Sell Territorial Coins
On Tuesday, Congressman Serrano participated in the Annual United States Mint/Bureau of Engraving and Printing Holiday Sale along with U.S. Mint Director Edmund Moy. Mr. Serrano and the Director were present to sign coin sets and other purchases. Serrano included language in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2008 authorizing the mint to issue commemorative quarter-dollar coins in 2009 for the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the United States Virgin Islands and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
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Congressman Serrano and Director of the U.S. Mint Edmund Moy sign commemorative Coin Sets of the Puerto Rico Territorial Quarter |
The Bronx
Serrano Announces $1.675 Million in Youth Program Funding for The Bronx
Early this week, Congressman Serrano announced that he had secured $1.675 million in federal funds for 11 organizations working with at-risk youth in The Bronx. Serrano secured the funding in the FY2010 Consolidated Appropriations Bill, which passed the House last week and the Senate over the weekend.
“The funding I secured for these great organizations for next year will help them to continue their vital work helping at-risk youths in the Bronx to move towards more positive lives,” said Serrano. “Over the years, we have learned that supporting these programs is one of the most effective social policy tools that we have. These organizations provide a variety of services, including academic support, educational programming, and mentor/mentee relationships for some of our most vulnerable young people. Turning troubled youth away from destructive lives has so many benefits for the community. All of these efforts are truly saving lives, and we must continue to support these important programs. I applaud these organizations for their work, and pledge to remain on their side into the future.”
The groups receiving funds include Abraham House; Bronx Council on the Arts; El Museo del Barrio; Mary Mitchell Family and Youth Center; Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition; Rocking the Boat; the Bronx Community Pride Center; the Point Community Development Corp.; Youth Ministries for Peace and Justice; the Sports Foundation Inc.; and the Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition.
Serrano Mourns Loss of HIV/AIDS Activist Dennis deLeon
Congressman Serrano mourned the loss of HIV/AIDS and human rights activist, Dennis deLeon, who passed away this week. deLeon was one of the most prominent Latino leaders in the City over the past 30 years. Among multiple other roles, he was appointed Chair of the New York City Commission on Human Rights by Mayor David Dinkins and later served as President of the Latino Commission on AIDS.
“When I heard the news about Dennis, my heart dropped,” said Serrano. “With his passing we have lost a leading light in the Latino community, and a true leader in the fight against discrimination and HIV/AIDS. He worked so hard on behalf of the underserved, the forgotten, and the disenfranchised of our city over the years. His voice, his fierce advocacy, and his courage in the face of injustice will always be remembered.
“Though he is gone, it is safe to say that his legacy will live on across our city and in many ways across the nation. The pioneering work that he did in New York City on human rights and HIV/AIDS prevention in many ways became the models for the rest of the nation.
"His legacy was also of empowerment. He showed us that the best way to fight discrimination was to empower those who suffered under its cruel weight. He believed in the communities that he lifted up, and through lifting them up, he allowed their members to lead fuller and richer lives, with less discrimination and hate.
“Dennis’ work to end the scourge of AIDS was no less important. He sincerely believed that through sound public policy and effective activism we could bring the transmission rates down in the most affected populations. He was right, but the fight is not over. We must continue his work and end this horrible disease in his memory, and that of all those who have died because of it.
“Dennis will not be forgotten and our efforts to continue his work will go on.”
Grant Opportunities
Nonprofit Security Preparedness Grant
Application Deadline: April 10, 2010
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has recently announced the availability of funding to boost preparedness for nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of terrorist attack. The Urban Areas Security Initiative Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) seeks to integrate nonprofit security initiatives with broader state and local preparedness efforts, as well as promote collaboration between public and private community representatives. 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organizations are encouraged to apply.
For more information about this opportunity please read the full description.
For information on other government grants, please go to: www.grants.gov.