The Serrano Report, Vol. VIII, #17
On Capitol Hill
Serrano Continues War Opposition
During debate on the Defense Appropriations Bill for Fiscal Year 2012 this week, Congressman Serrano again voted for several amendments to stop funding the wars in Afghanistan and Libya. Although the amendments garnered substantial bipartisan support, none of them passed.
"The war in Afghanistan has dragged on much too long," said Serrano. "It is time to acknowledge what we have accomplished there, realize our limitations in terms of nation building, and bring our troops home. They have fought valiantly, crippling Al Qaeda and bringing stability to many parts of Afghanistan, but it is now time for Afghans to build an independent future.
"It is hard to believe that after becoming engaged in long, ongoing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan we have now gotten ourselves involved in a third war in the Muslim world. The Arab Spring is an inspiring event, and people fighting for democracy deserve our support, but we cannot continue to try to solve difficult conflicts with airstrikes. We must stop seeing military force as a cure-all. The war in Libya has already lasted much longer than we were told it would. It is past time to end our involvement there."
Serrano also voted against the underlying funding bill for the Department of Defense, which will have to be reconciled with an eventual Senate version.
In the Bronx
Serrano Applauds NY Marriage Equality
On June 24, New York State passed a law enacting same-sex marriage equality in the state. Congressman Serrano called the passage of the legislation a “victory for justice of the highest order.”
“When I watched the vote that the New York State Senate took to pass their same-sex marriage legalization bill late on Friday night, I was very proud of our state,” said Congressman Serrano. “We now join the ranks of states that offer full marriage rights to our LGBT brothers and sisters. This is a deeply moving moment when we have brought yet another segment of our community further towards full equality and justice.
“New York State has now moved back to the forefront of the gay rights movement, which is where we are meant to be as the place where it was born decades ago. This was a tremendous victory, but we must continue to be vigilant against discrimination towards the LGBT community – especially among the young and vulnerable.
“I applaud the New York State Senate and Assembly, Governor Cuomo, and all the advocates who have worked on this issue for years. We have come a long way from tolerance to acceptance to now giving full rights to our LGBT family members.”
Serrano Hails Puerto Rican Activist
On July 6th, Congressman Serrano participated in a street renaming ceremony in honor of Dr. Evelina Lopez Antonetty, a community activist also known as the Mother of the South Bronx, who passed away in 1984. Hundreds of residents of the South Bronx joined together to unveil the new “Dr Evelina Lopez Antonetty Way,” located on Prospect Avenue between 156th Street and Macy Place.
“Evelina was a force to be reckoned with. She touched thousands of lives, fighting to reverse injustices in education, housing and labor for our community,” Serrano said after the unveiling. “Evelina was proud to be Puerto Rican and live in the Bronx, she will always be remembered for her work in eliminating barriers and paving the way for generations of Latinos to come.”
Serrano Marches in Fish Parade
On June 25th, Congressman Serrano marched with thousands of Bronx residents in the annual Hunt’s Point Fish Parade. The Fish Parade, which is loosely based on the Coney Island Mermaid Parade, has become a yearly celebration of the Hunt’s Point community. This year the parade incorporated an American Indian Festival into its celebration at Barretto Point Park, educating the community about the presence and lifestyle of the Sivanoy Tribe, that once called Hunts Point home.
Serrano Marching in the Fish Parade
Grants
Neighborhood Development
Deadline: August 8, 2011
The Department of Housing and Urban Development invites applicants to apply for Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grants. The program supports the development of comprehensive neighborhood revitalization plans to transform communities into viable, mixed-income neighborhoods by linking housing improvements with appropriate services, schools, public assets, transportation, and access to jobs. The program is focused on directing resources to address three core goals: housing, people and neighborhoods. To achieve these core goals, communities must develop and implement a comprehensive neighborhood revitalization strategy, or Transformation Plan. The Transformation Plan will become the guiding document for the revitalization of the public and/or assisted housing units while simultaneously directing the transformation of the surrounding neighborhood and positive outcomes for families. Public housing authorities and local governments, along with their development partners are encouraged to apply.
For more information on this opportunity please visit the HUD website.
For more information about other grant opportunities please visit grants.gov.