The Serrano Report, Vol. VIII, #2

Serrano Reacts to State of the Union

On Tuesday evening, President Obama addressed a joint session of Congress to deliver the annual State of the Union Address. Serrano applauded the focus on education and infrastructure investment, but urged the inclusion of defense spending in any plan to reduce spending.

“Tonight President Obama reminded us that our nation is in need of a coherent plan to compete in the future. We cannot make short-sighted decisions that hobble our children and grandchildren. Some believe the only way that future generations will be harmed is by government spending and debt—but these individuals ignore the fact that cutting spending that invests in our future is equally bad. The President made that second case with eloquent words and specific examples tonight.

“I particularly agreed with President Obama’s call for targeted investments in education, infrastructure, and job creation. We cannot cut spending in these areas and believe that our nation will come out ahead in the long-run. People always talk about balancing the nation’s finances just like a family does. I would like to point out that most families take out loans for investments in their children’s education. Our nation needs to get away from a belief that all government spending—no matter what the purpose—is a bad thing.

“I would also like to see the President and Congressional leaders come up with a realistic assessment of the current situation, and the goals and costs of the two wars we are currently fighting. In my opinion, if this were done we’d be leaving both Iraq and Afghanistan—and using that reduction in spending to cut the deficit. Our nation cannot afford to continue to fight these two wars: I want the troops home as quickly as possible.

“Our nation’s economic situation is still challenging despite the recent improvements. I believe that we need to continue to focus on creating jobs by any means possible—including government stimulus. Most economists agree that drastically cutting all spending in a recession is not a good approach.

“I am particularly troubled that the five year freeze the President called for is composed exclusively of cuts to non-security and non-defense discretionary spending. This proposed freeze comes exclusively on the backs of domestic programs which help the middle and working classes, and do not force the military or Department of Homeland Security to make budgetary sacrifices. In my mind, given that defense spending makes up more than 50% of discretionary spending, without even including war spending, it must be part of the equation rather than off limits. People in this nation are hurting and asking them to sacrifice while bloated defense budgets are off limits is the wrong approach.

“The President offered a forward-looking, smart agenda for growth and competition. I hope that the Republicans will turn away from their “just-say-no” approach to President Obama’s proposals. They must work to find common ground with us to move towards solving some of our most pressing issues. We all must rise above ideology and rhetoric. Our nation’s economy and our children’s future depend on it.”

Serrano Meets with Legal Services Chairman, President

On Wednesday, Congressman Serrano met with the new Legal Services Corporation President, Jim Sandman, and the Chairman of the Board of Directors, John Levi.  Serrano vowed to fight against Republican efforts to cut the LSC’s budget. 

Currently, the Legal Services Corporation provides funding to more than 100 legal aid programs across the nation. The goal of these programs is to help ensure that the poor have equal access to the American justice system. “The LSC helps ensure that the Constitution has meaning for all Americans,” said Serrano. “I will do everything I can to ensure it remains well-funded, so it can continue providing help to tens of thousands of residents in New York City.”

Serrano Support for More Effective Gun Control Legislation

In the early days of the 112th Congress, Congressman Serrano expressed support for several common-sense gun control measures by cosponsoring two pieces of legislation that would fill in gaps in our system of gun laws and help reduce needless gun violence. 

The first, H.R. 308, the Large Capacity Ammunition Feeding Device Act, would prohibit the transfer, importation or possession of high capacity magazine rounds.  These types of devices have no other purpose other than to harm people, and were used in the recent tragedy in Tuscon, Arizona.

The second piece of legislation, H.R. 263, the Fire Sale Loophole Closing Act, would prevent gun dealers whose licenses have been revoked from liquidating their stock in a manner that allows them to sell their guns without the otherwise mandatory background checks.  Closing the loophole would prevent guns from falling into the hands of individuals who would be otherwise prohibited from purchasing a weapon.

“These common-sense pieces of legislation will help ensure that guns do not fall into the wrong hands, and that guns are not used for the wrong reasons,” said Serrano.  “I will continue to support efforts to reduce gun violence in the Bronx and across the nation.”

Serrano Promotes EITC Awareness Day

Congressman Serrano urges all individuals to check and see if they are eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), and to use free tax preparation resources to file their taxes and claim this important refund.  January 28th is Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day.

“The EITC is a program that aims resources at families that are struggling economically and it is of great importance to working families in our community,” said Serrano. “If a family qualifies, it is highly important that they realize it, and claim their tax credit. Last year in New York, the average EITC refund was more than $2100. 

“Across the country, it seems that as many as 25 percent of eligible recipients each year do not take advantage of this credit. Our working families have earned the credit and deserve to get it. 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. There are many free and reliable resources that families in the Bronx and New York City should use for help navigating the intricacy of the EITC and the tax code.”

Families who earn less than $48,362 can claim a tax refund via the EITC (the number changes based on your marital status).  If you earn less than $49,000, you can also qualify for free tax preparation services at one of the IRS’ Taxpayer Assistance Centers or at an accredited Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Clinic (VITA). VITA Clinics are run by reputable nonprofit organizations, like Ariva, Seedco, and the Food Bank for New York City. You can find out more about their locations at in the Bronx by calling 311. In addition, to find out more about the IRS services, please call 212-436-1000.

Grant to Study Health Disparities

Application Deadline: March 1, 2011

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recently announced the availability of grant funding for research that investigates health disparities among children and possible ways to address such dispariites. The purpose of the grant is to look at chronic disease among children in underserved populations, understand the causes, and research possible interventions to reduce disparities. Educational institutions, nonprofits, local and state governments, and other institutions are encouraged to apply.

For more information about this opportunity, please read the NIH's full description.

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