The Serrano Report, Vol. VIII, #5
On Capitol Hill
Serrano Questions EPA about PCBs in Schools
On Thursday, during an Interior Appropriations Subcommittee hearing, Congressman Serrano questioned EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson about the ongoing problem of toxic polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in New York City Schools. He asked whether New York City’s announcement that it is moving forward with a plan to remove and replace all PCB contaminated light ballasts in schools over the next ten years would adequately protect students.
Administrator Jackson assured Congressman Serrano that the EPA’s goal is to improve upon the ten year time frame to make sure that children remain safe. She indicated that EPA wanted assurances that New York City would address the most dangerous situations first to limit the risk of exposure as much as possible.
Congressman Serrano raised the issue because in recent years PCBs have been found in window caulking and light fixtures of schools in New York. Because of the carcinogenic properties of PCBs this raises safety concerns for teachers and students in the schools. As these discoveries have come to light, Serrano has been working with the EPA to develop timelines for the removal of contaminated fixtures from schools and he is continuing to work to make sure that contaminated items are removed in a timely fashion.
You can watch Congressman Serrano questioning EPA Administrator Jackson here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPIt_bV4EU8
Last week, Congressman Serrano applauded the Obama Administration’s decision to stop defending the federal “Defense of Marriage Act,” which bars the recognition of same-sex marriage.
“President Obama and his advisors are to be commended for this brave and just decision to end their defense of the unconstitutional ‘Defense of Marriage Act’,” said Congressman Serrano. “That law, passed during the culture wars of the 1990s, does nothing to expand rights in this nation, and everything to curtail them. I firmly believe that our duty is to expand and defend the protections that the Constitution lays out and to work to end discriminatory laws and policies.
“I have watched as states across the nation as well as the District of Columbia have legalized same-sex marriage and unions. I believe that is progress towards a future where sexual orientation is not grounds for different treatment by the government. The Defense of Marriage Act was not right when it passed and I’m glad that the Administration will no longer be defending it in court or other settings.”
In the Bronx
Serranos Celebrate Black History Month
Last Friday, Congressman José E. Serrano and State Senator José M. Serrano hosted a ceremony in honor of Black History Month. More than 150 people attended the event, which recognized members of the African American community from the Bronx. This year’s honorees were New York State Assemblywoman Vanessa Gibson; community activist and Korean War veteran Leroy “Archie” Archible; former President and Board Member of Concourse Village Apartments, Dorothy DeSuzia; and Deputy Executive Director of the Bronx Community Pride Center, Demetrius McCord. During the ceremony, Christine Campbell performed “A Tribute to Our Ancestors,” a short play honoring the Harlem African Burial Ground.
“I relish the chance to recognize these fantastic Bronx leaders,” said Congressman Serrano. “As we celebrate the contributions of black Americans to our nation and culture this month, it was fitting that we pay tribute to the contributions of local leaders doing their part to uplift the community. Our small tribute to their work is a just token of what our community owes them for all that they have done. Our nation was built not just by the national leaders you read about in books, but also by the people who diligently built local communities and helped those in need. We have fine examples of these people here with us today.”
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Honorees (from l to r) Leroy “Archie” Archible, Demetrius McCord, Dorothy DeSuzia with Congressman Serrano, Christine Campbell, who performed at the event, Bronx District Attorney Robert T. Johnson, State Senator Serrano, and State Assemblywoman Vanessa Gibson, who was also an honoree |
Grant Opportunities
Juvenile Offender Job Grant
Application Deadline: March 15, 2011
The Department of Labor recently announced the availability of funding to support programs that help juvenile offenders gain valuable jobs skills. The Civic Justice Corps Program aims to reduce recidivism by connecting juvenile offenders with on-the-job training, job placement, and service projects that allow young people to play a positive role in their communities. 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organizations are encouraged to apply.
For more information about this opportunity, please click here (PDF).
For information on other government grants, please go to: www.grants.gov.