The Serrano Report, Vol. VII, #3

On Capitol Hill

This week, Congressman Serrrano joined other Members of Congress to urge Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner to push for debt cancellation for Haiti. Serrano signed a letter to the Secretary and cosponsored a bill, both originated by Rep. Maxine Waters, calling for the debt cancellation to alleviate some of the pressure on the Haitian economy. "As Haiti struggles to build a better future we should do everything we can to help them," said Serrano. "Haiti has many problems and while debt cancellation is not a panacea, we should act quickly to remove this burden from the recovery process."

In another effort to help Haiti after the devastating earthquake, President Obama recently signed a bill to allow taxpayers to deduct donations to Haitian earthquake relief from their 2009 tax returns, instead of waiting until next year's returns.

For more information about the earthquake in Haiti and about how to help, please click here.

In the Bronx

Serrano Presents Resolution Honoring 100th Anniversary of Grand Concourse

On the afternoon of Friday, January 30th, Congressman Serrano presented the Bronx County Historical Society with a framed copy of the Congressional Resolution celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Grand Concourse, which passed the House unanimously on December 8th, 2009.  Borough Historian Lloyd Ultan and Executive Director of The Bronx County Historical Society Dr. Gary “Doc” Hermalyn joined Serrano for the event and delivered remarks on the significance of the Concourse in the development of the borough.  They also thanked Serrano for introducing the bill, which highlights the architectural features of Bronx County’s premier boulevard and lists some of the accomplished figures who have made the Concourse  their home over the years.

The event was held at the new Poe Cottage Visitor’s Center, a New York City Parks Department project that is scheduled to open in the early summer.  Bronx Borough Parks Commissioner Hector Aponte was on hand to provide guests with a walk-through of the new center and a tour of Poe Cottage, the home of American novelist and poet Edgar Allan Poe. Located on the Grand Concourse at Kingsbridge Road, this historic home will undergo renovations later on this year, thanks in part to a Save America’s Treasures grant Serrano secured for the project.

Serrano, IRS Highlight Earned Income Tax Credit

Last Friday, Congressman Serrano joined IRS Commissioner of Wage & Investment, Rick Byrd and Fran Freedman, Associate Commissioner of the NYC Department of Consumer Affairs to remind Bronx residents to claim their Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) when filling out their 2009 tax forms.  “The EITC is one of America’s most powerful anti-poverty programs and is vital to so many families here in the Bronx,” said Serrano. “It is a benefit that should not go unclaimed by anyone who qualifies, and in today’s economic climate, it’s more important than ever. 

“We know that up to 25 percent of those eligible do not claim their credit each year. That’s unacceptable. For this reason we have come here today to remind people in our community to claim their credit. If you meet the income requirements, and you are legally authorized to work in the US –whether a citizen or not- then you can and should claim the credit.”  The event was hosted by Ariva, a local non-profit financial assistance firm that runs a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) clinic.  With over 50 VITA sites planned around the City, those who qualify can receive free tax preparation services as well as help claiming the EITC.

Upcoming Event: Serrano and FCC Chairman Genachowski to Highlight Benefits of Broadband in the Bronx

To highlight the educational and economic benefits of broadband, Serrano and Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski will be participating in a tour of the classrooms and technology being utilized at Per Scholas, Inc., a nonprofit organization that distributes low and no-cost computers and trains disadvantaged adults in technology field careers.

WHEN:       Monday, February 8, 2010, 1:00 p.m.

WHO:          Chairman José E. Serrano, FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski, and Plinio Ayala, President and CEO of Per Scholas

WHERE:     Per Scholas, Inc., 804 East 138th Street , Bronx, New York 10454

Grant Opportunities