The Serrano Report, Vol. VIII, #29

On Capitol Hill

Serrano Recognizes World AIDS Day

Thursday was World AIDS Day, which was created to raise awareness about the spread of HIV, about prevention strategies, and about treatment for the disease. It is celebrated each year on December 1, and Congressman Serrano recognized the significance of the day by making the following statement.

“Each year, we commemorate World AIDS Day by recognizing those who have perished from the disease, by thinking of those living with it, and by rededicating ourselves to preventing its spread until a cure is found. 

“In the decades since the virus first struck, we have made a great deal of progress. It is a testimony to the willpower and dedication of the early activists that we now have a fairly robust system for treatment and care. The system is not perfect and there remain too many obstacles to properly caring for those afflicted with HIV, but thankfully we can say that our nation is working to support HIV-positive people. It’s a long way from where we were in the early 1980s.

“We still have a great deal of work to do. We must increase our prevention efforts. I am glad to have played a role in ending the ban on the use of federal funds for syringe exchange. But that is only one piece of the puzzle. We must fund outreach and testing, counseling and education. We must also help to fund these sorts of efforts for developing nations where government support is low, and infection rates are high. 

“Too many of our friends and family members still contract HIV and too many still die of AIDS. On this World AIDS Day we must rededicate ourselves to the fight against this disease – and do it in memory of those who have passed on because of it. This is the best way we can honor their lives and their untimely deaths.”

Serrano Speaks with Córdova Interns

On Wednesday, Congressman Serrano met with interns from the Córdova-Fernos Internship program. Sponsored by the Puerto Rico Legislature, the Córdova-Fernos program brings young people from Puerto Rico to Washington for a semester to intern in Congressional offices and federal agencies. During the meeting, the interns took the opportunity to ask Serrano about his time as a Member of Congress, his views on current events in Puerto Rico, and about other issues of importance to them.

Serrano with the Fall 2011 Córdova Interns

In the Bronx

Serrano Celebrates Soundview Groundbreaking 

On November 15, 2011 Congressman Jose Serrano was joined by Congressman Joseph Crowley, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Colonel John Boulé, NYC Parks Department Commissioner Adrian Benepe and local elected officials to celebrate the groundbreaking of a $9.9 million ecological restoration of Soundview Park.  “As a result of the combined efforts of all levels of government and community leaders, this restoration project will be one of the largest in the history of the Bronx River,” said Congressman Serrano.  The purpose of the project is to restore the tidal wetland, provide a habitat for the birds and marine life, provide cleaner water, and create a healthier ecosystem.

NYC Parks & Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe (from left), U.S.  Army Corps of Engineers Col. John Boulé, Congressman José E. Serrano, Congressman Joseph Crowley, and State Assemblymember Marcos Crespo at the groundbreaking

Grant

Water Quality Grants

Deadline: January 23, 2011

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is soliciting proposals from eligible applicants for projects that will contribute to improved water quality in urban areas. The goal of the Urban Waters Small Grants is to fund research and projects that will help to restore urban waterways and provide a comprehensive understanding of local water quality issues while also engaging with affected communities and promoting local community involvement in improving water quality. State and local governments, institutions of higher education, and non-profit organizations are all encouraged to apply.

For more information about this grant please visit the EPA's website.

For more information about other federal grants please visit grants.gov.