The Serrano Report, Vol. VIII, #24
On Capitol Hill
Serrano Urges Inclusion of All Puerto Ricans in Status Plebiscite
This week, Congressman Serrano urged the inclusion of all Puerto Rican-born people in a newly-announced status plebiscite, regardless of where they now reside. Governor Luis Fortuño recently made public his intention to hold a plebiscite to ask Puerto Ricans their opinion on the future status of the island. Fortuño's plan does not include voting rights for Puerto Ricans living off the island. For years, Serrano has pushed to include these people in any plebiscite by way of a provision known as the Serrano Amendment. This amendment has been attached to virtually every consensus status bill since the 1990s. Serrano said “excluding people who left the island for economic or social reasons in the past silences a segment of the Puerto Rican family which deserves to weigh in on a final status arrangement."
“From the time I came to Congress and began to work on the status issue, I have always said that those Puerto Ricans who are now living off the island must be included in any decision on the final permanent status,” said Serrano. “I reached out to the political leaders in Puerto Rico today to remind them that this provision has been part of every consensus bill over the past decade, and has been agreed to by all political parties.
“The inclusion of all native-born Puerto Ricans is not about loading the vote for one option or another, but rather about fairness and justice. Many of us left the island not because we wanted to, but rather because our families had to make difficult economic choices. We do not now ask to be part of local political decisions, but this final status question transcends normal political questions and deserves our input as part of the Puerto Rican diaspora.
“The political parties in Puerto Rico, which are so divided on so many things, have historically agreed on the Serrano Amendment. I fail to see what has changed in this current situation that prevents the Serrano Amendment from being part of the plan for the plebiscite. Some have mentioned the White House Task Force; to them I say, let Puerto Ricans choose their plan for this plebiscite and not make decisions that exclude anyone from the process.
“It is long past time for the Puerto Rican people to say to the federal government with one united voice that it is time for a change. Besides the Serrano Amendment, this is something that all the parties agree on: the current situation cannot continue. Let’s begin the process of changing the status to one of respect and dignity, whatever form that may take. We must unite around the idea that our people, both on and off the island, deserve the right to determine our own future. Whatever their decision is, it deserves to be taken seriously by the federal government. Surely we all agree both on and off the island, that Puerto Rico has been in limbo too long and it’s time for a change.”
In the Bronx
Serrano Speaks at Postal Worker Rally
On Tuesday, September 27th, local postal union members, held a rally of support outside of Congressman Serrano's district office to thank him for his ongoing support and co-sponsorship of H.R. 1351, a bill that would help the Postal Service by deferring some of its personnel costs.
Speaking to the assembled workers, Congressman Serrano assured the unions of his commitment and that his advocacy on their behalf will continue. He pointed out that the USPS has historically been a part of our commerce system and cannot be replaced. “We cannot allow the cuts that are being proposed for the USPS because their impact would be devastating to the Bronx and the rest of the country,” said Serrano.
Serrano speaking at the postal rally
Serrano, Velázquez Speak out about Housing Cuts
Last Wednesday, Congressman Serrano and Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez spoke at a press conference to express their opposition to a bill that would permanently cut federal funding for public housing. “Not only must we protect against funding cuts to programs such as the Community Development Block Grant and the HOME Program, but we must protect our ability to leverage federal dollars for private investment,” said Serrano. The particular bill that Serrano and Velázquez oppose would hurt tens of thousands of public housing residents in New York City.
Serrano speaks at the housing press conference as Velázquez looks on
Harlem River Festival
On Saturday, September 26th, Congressman Serrano and State Senator José M. Serrano attended the Harlem River Festival at Mill Pond Park. The Festival is dedicated to celebrating the Harlem River and the other waterways in the Bronx. “The organizers of this event are community residents who work year-round to improve environmental conditions and to make better use of the many waterways in the Bronx. I’m thankful for their work in our communities,” said Serrano.
Congressman Serrano and State Senator Serrano at the Harlem River Festival
Congressman Serrano Supports Reducing ICE Presence at Rikers
This week, Congressman Serrano submitted a statement to the New York City Council about a bill that would keep certain immigrants at Rikers Island from being deported. The bill prohibits the New York City Department of Corrections from holding immigrants for Immigration and Customs Enforcement if they have had their charges dismissed, do not have an outstanding warrant, and are not in the terrorist screening database.
In his statement Serrano wrote: “Our city becomes less safe when immigrants perceive that local law enforcement is linked to ICE...Presently, our deportation program is flawed and until we have humane immigration reform all collaboration between local law enforcement and ICE should end. This City Council bill is a good first step towards that effort.”
Serrano Urges 9/11 Responders, Survivors To Enroll in Health, Compensation Programs
On Monday, Congressman Serrano reminded Bronx residents who have developed illnesses as a result of their work at, or residence near, Ground Zero in the days and weeks after 9/11 to enroll in the World Trade Center Health Program, and to apply for the newly reopened Victims Compensation Fund if they are eligible. Both programs are part of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, and will provide support and health monitoring to affected responders and residents through at least 2015.
“We fought long and hard to pass the Zadroga Act, and to ensure that all those eligible would qualify for support and potential benefits,” said Serrano. “As the new health program gets up and running, and the VCF is reopened, it’s extremely important that those who are eligible enroll in these programs. In passing the Zadroga Act, Congress and the President were acknowledging that our nation has an ongoing responsibility to the people who helped with the 9/11 response and who got sick as a result. No one should miss out on these programs because the word didn’t get to them.”
The new WTC Health Program has both a program for rescue and recovery workers and a program for people who lived or worked near Ground Zero. The Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act has also re-opened the Victim Compensation Fund (VCF), which permits people to file claims for economic losses due to physical harm or death caused by 9/11. To be eligible for the VCF, one must apply within 2 years of October 3rd 2011 (if one has already developed physical injury or illness as a result of work at the World Trade Center site), or within 2 years of when a person develops a physical injury or illness as a result of that work.
For information on eligibility, to enroll, or for more information about the WTC Health Program or the Victims Compensation Fund, please visit:
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/wtc/
http://www.vcf.gov/register.html
“New York Members of Congress, joined by numerous first responders, and the work of countless advocates, fought successfully for the Zadroga Act. Now we are spreading the word to our communities to ensure that those brave responders and victims living in our neighborhoods find their way into these programs. They deserve nothing less than the best treatment that our nation and City can give them.”
Grant
Hunger Assistance Grants
Deadline: December 17, 2011
The Department of Agriculture recently announced the availability of grant funding to support local efforts to reduce food insecurity. The funding is aimed at helping local organizations assess the food security needs in their area and plan long-term solutions to improve security. Non-profits that have experience with local community food work in low-income communities are encouraged to apply.
For more information about this grant please visit the Department of Agriculture's website.
For more information about other federal grants please visit grants.gov.