The Serrano Report, Vol. VIII, #12
On Capitol Hill
On Wednesday, during a hearing for the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee, Congressman Serrano expressed his continued commitment to the arts, especially the work of traditional, cultural artists. “Even during difficult budget times, we have to protect, preserve and grow the arts,” Serrano said.
During the hearing, Serrano also asked Rocco Landesman, Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), about the status of the National Heritage Fellowship (NHF), which is in danger of being discontinued. The NHF is a one-time award of $25,000 that is made to artists to support their efforts to conserve America's many cultures for future generations (last year’s NHF awardees included 2 artists from New York). Chairman Landesman responded that he has met with key leaders with regards to the NHF and will be taking their thoughts into consideration, as the NHF is considered an important and valuable part of the NEA.
In the Bronx
Serrano Celebrates New, Young Citizens
On Monday morning, Congressman Serrano joined other elected officials and representatives of the US Citizenship and Immigration Services at a special naturalization ceremony held at the Bronx Zoo, during which 35 children were sworn in as new US Citizens. Andrea Quarantillo, USCIS New York District Director, administered the Oath of Allegiance to the new citizens and Congressman Serrano presented each child with their certificate of US Citizenship. The new citizens ranged in age from 20 months to 17 years old and hailed from 14 different countries.
"Today is a momentous day, which you will remember for the rest of your lives," said Serrano. "This is the day in which you embark on your journey, enjoying the rights and responsibilities that come with being a US Citizen." All of the children sworn in are residents of the Bronx, originating from countries as diverse as Albania, Guyana, Yemen and the Dominican Republic.
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Serrano with new citizens and other attendees after the ceremony |
Serrano Expresses Concerns about Postal Plans
On Monday evening Congressman Serrano attended a public hearing about the US Postal Service’s proposal to transfer mail processing from the Bronx, NY Processing and Distribution Center to the Morgan NY Processing and Distribution Center. This consolidation will result in the loss of more than 100 well paid postal jobs in the Bronx and have a detrimental impact on local Bronx businesses and restaurants. In addition, this plan will result in increased truck traffic which will have a harmful environmental impact.
Congressman Serrano spoke at the hearing to share his opposition to the consolidation plan. “This consolidation will have a negative impact on the residents of my district. For far too long, my district has suffered a disproportionate share of the burden of these cost-cutting initiatives. I am opposed to this plan because this decision will cause harm to our environment, to our postal workers, to our local businesses, and to every Bronx resident who is dependent on timely mail delivery,” said Serrano.
Serrano Runs Bronx Community College 5K
On Saturday, Congressman Serrano ran the annual 5k race hosted by Bronx Community College. After the race he addressed the runners and their families, praising the outgoing president of Bronx Community College, Carolyn G. Williams, saying, “Under your 15 year tenure as President of Bronx Community College your leadership and initiatives have distinguished BCC as a premier institution of higher learning.” Also present was former BCC President Roscoe Brown, who founded the race as a 10k 30 years ago. The Congressman also thanked and praised Williams for shortening the race from 10k to 5k. Congressman Serrano has run in 22 of the 33 races the BCC has held.
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Serrano talking to Michael Max Knobbe of BronxNet after the race |
Grant Opportunities
Community Economic Development Grant
Application Deadline: July 11, 2011
The Administration for Children and Families, Office of Community Services (OCS) recently announced the availability of funding under its Community Economic Development discretionary grant funds for new, well-planned projects to enhance job creation and business development for low-income individuals. OCS seeks to fund projects that implement strategies for fostering self-sufficiency for low-income families and achieving sustainable employment and business opportunities. Non-profit organizations are invited to apply.
For more information about this opportunity, please visit the HHS website.
For information on other government grants, please go to: www.grants.gov.