The Serrano Report, Vol. VII, #22

On Capitol Hill

Serrano Denounces Anti-Labor Bill

On Thursday, the House passed H.R 2587, a bill that undermines the workers’ rights protections, the right to organize, and the body that regulates these important rights, the National Relations Labor Board (NLRB). Specifically, the bill would prohibit the National Labor Relations Board from ordering any employer to restore or reinstate work that was unlawfully relocated or transferred.

H.R. 2587 was introduced by Representative Tim Scott of South Carolina and passed the by a vote of 238-186. Congressman Serrano joined most Democrats in voting against the measure. The NLRB enforces the National Labor Relations Act, which prohibits companies from taking any actions,  against employees for exercising federally protected rights, such as forming a union or going on strike. 

In response to H.R. 2587’s passing, Representative Serrano said “In this economy, as we fight to create jobs for unemployed Americans, we must also work to protect the rights of those who are currently employed. The National Labor Relations Board fulfills this important role, and it is very regrettable that we passed legislation that undermines the NLRB’s authority and will result in more jobs shipped overseas.”

The bill now goes to the Senate for its consideration.

In the Bronx

Serrano Attends 9/11 Memorial Dedication

On Sunday, Congressman Serrano attended the dedication of the September 11th Memorial in the footprint of the World Trade Center towers. President Obama addressed an audience made up of survivors, victims' families, first responders and members of the military, thanking all all those who have served in the armed forces since September 11th and asking all Americans to reflect on the impact of the attack and to remember those who were lost.

"It is sobering to be at the site and to think back on the attacks," said Serrano after the ceremony. "There have been so many changes to our city and our country as a result of September 11th. All we can do is remember all the brave men and women who have lost their lives, and vow to live up to their memories by continuing to work to make our country a better place."

Serrano at the September 11th Memorial dedication

Serranos Attend Street Naming Ceremony

On Saturday, Congressman Serrano joined community members, Senator José M. Serrano and New York City Council Member Melissa Mark-Viverito, at the ceremony to name 111th Street between 1st Avenue and FDR Drive after former Council Member Philip Reed. Reed was elected to serve City Council District 8, which covers El Barrio/East Harlem and parts of the South Bronx, in 1997. Reed made history by being the first openly gay black member of the Council.  As a Council Member he fought to protect HIV/AIDS funding from cuts, championed asthma-related legislation and opposed a plan by the former Giuliani administration that would have moved the Museum of the City of New York from East Harlem to the Tweed Courthouse.

Congressman Serrano and State Senator Serrano at the street naming ceremony along with Assemblyman Keith Wright (center in black shirt), Matthew Washington (Chair of Community Board 11, behind Senator Serrano and Assemblyman Wright), Elinor Reed (Philip Reed's sister, in orange holding sign), Council Member Melissa Mark-Viverito (also holding sign)

Grant

Homeless Assistance Grants

Deadline: October 28, 2011

The US Department of House and Urban Development has opened applications for the Continuum of Care (COC) Homeless Assistance Program.  The purpose of the COC Homeless Assistance Programs is to reduce the incidence of homelessness in communities by assisting homeless individuals and families become self-sufficient and move into permanent housing. Programs that sustain current successful interventions and advance HUD’s national goals will be scored higher. Eligible applicants are private nonprofit organizations, community mental health centers that are public nonprofit organizations, Section 8 SRO’s and Shelter Plus Care eligible applicants.

For more information about this grant please visit HUD's website (pdf).

For more information about other federal grants please visit grants.gov.