The Serrano Report, Vol. VII, #2

Serrano: "State of the Union Renewed Our Sense of Direction, Urgency"

On Wednesday, President Obama delivered the State of the Union Address to a joint session of Congress. In response, Congressman Serrano said that he felt certain that the President understood the current economic situation, and had laid out a clear path for action. Serrano especially applauded President Obama’s call for finalizing health care reform, saying the bill was “long overdue” and a reform “Democrats need to lead on, not shrink from.”

“President Obama had just the right message tonight, one of hope, resolve, and clarity of purpose,” said Serrano. “Our nation needed just such an address as we collectively continue to face a very difficult economic situation. I believe that the American people saw that the President, and Democrats in Congress, understand their problems, have worked on them and will continue to work to end this recession.

“I think the President made clear to us all that he is not backing away from health care reform. None of us Democrats should. Though this bill has become unpopular through a year-long campaign of scare-tactics, polls show that a majority of Americans still believe in health care reform and are in favor of the provisions included in the bill. Republicans and entrenched anti-reform advocates have repeatedly distorted the facts about what the bill would or wouldn’t do, and have sought to scare citizens at every turn. It has been a shameful display of small-minded, interest-driven politics. I was glad that the President called on us to rise above those tactics and the fear of change.

“It has been a hard year, filled with difficult choices, but I think that the accomplishments of the past year should give the American people confidence that we are working on their behalf. We cannot allow special interests with vast wealth to place their priorities ahead of the American people, especially now, as the American people are seeing their jobs disappear, and with it their chance at the American dream.

“Like my Democratic colleagues, I felt Obama’s speech was the right message for a dispirited nation. He showed that he understands our issues, and is committed to leading us to a better future. His message of hope and perseverance was exactly right, and I look forward to working to achieve the goals we all agree on."

Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day

Today is Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Awareness Day.  The Earned Income Tax Credit is a refundable tax credit for working families with incomes up to $48,279, although eligibility varies based on marital status and family size.  Those who qualify for the tax credit can receive a tax refund of up to $5,657. “Because of the tough economic climate, many more individuals and families may qualify for the EITC,” said Serrano. “I urge taxpayers to check on their eligibility by going to the IRS website where they can learn more about the EITC. This tax refund is an important tool to help individuals and families make ends meet.”

In addition to the EITC, many individuals and families who qualify for it may also qualify for free tax preparation services at IRS-run Taxpayer Assistance Centers or at numerous Volunteer Income Tax Assistance centers.  New York City residents can call 311 and anyone can call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to find out more information on both the EITC and free tax preparation services.

Serrano Urges Steps against Hunger

Earlier this week the Food Research and Action Center, a nonprofit organization that works to eradicate hunger and under-nutrition in the United States, released its 2008-2009 food hardship report, breaking down hunger statistics by Congressional District and other geographic areas. The report concluded that over the period of the study the 16th Congressional District had the highest level of 'food hardship' in the nation, with more than 35% of the district's residents experiencing difficulties paying for food for themselves and their families. Congressman Serrano immediately sent a letter to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, whose department oversees food assistance programs, to ask him for his assistance in expanding access to food programs in the Bronx. The letter extended an invitation to Secretary Vilsack to visit the Bronx where he could tour non-profit food assistance programs and see firsthand how people are struggling with food insecurity.      

"I also wrote to Mayor Bloomberg to seek his partnership in a new effort to end hunger in the Bronx," said Serrano. "I believe that working with these two leaders and those already working diligently on this issue in the Bronx, we can put an end to these unacceptably high hunger rates.

"We know that many people are unable to access the benefits for which they are eligible, and we must do more to connect people to available resources. And where the resources are lacking, we must urgently bridge the gap. This is a problem we must attack with great urgency. People without proper access to food cannot wait."

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to Begin Ecosystem Restoration Project in Soundview Park

This week, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York District, announced that they had reached a partnership agreement with the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation to begin the design and construction phase of the Soundview Park Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Project located in the Bronx along the Bronx River.The project, the funding for which was made possible by Congressmen Serrano and Crowley, will restore about three acres in Soundview Park as vibrant salt marsh and grassland habitats.

Small Business Transportation Grant

Application Deadline: February 16, 2010

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) recently announced the availability of funding to help small businesses compete for and manage DOT funded transportation-related contracts or subcontracts. The grant will help provide technical and financial assistance, marketing and management training, and various other business training programs for small business communities across the nation, particularly in underserved areas.  501(c)(3) not-for-profit organizations and institutions of higher education are encouraged to apply. 

To read the announcement for this opportunity in the Federal Register, please click here (PDF) and scroll down.

For information on other government grants, please go to: www.grants.gov.