The Serrano Report, Vol. X, #12
On Capitol Hill
Serrano Again Votes against Republican Effort to Repeal Obamacare
This week, as House Republicans voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act for the 37th time, Congressman Serrano again voted against their efforts.
“These votes are pure political theater. The Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, is the law of the land. It is time for the Republicans to accept that fact, and to help us implement it in the most efficient and effective way.
“The American people had a chance to vote for a candidate who would repeal the law last November. Instead they chose to stay with President Obama and allow him to implement this law. The people have spoken. The Republicans should heed them and stop the political charades.
“People need help with health care. The system is broken, and does not serve people in a fair, affordable, and sustainable manner. The Affordable Care Act will begin to solve those problems. If we repeal it, we will be stuck with the status quo, which everyone agrees is unacceptable.
“I will continue to vote against these partisan efforts to undermine President Obama’s signature achievement for American families. We need to work to make the law better and help people who are struggling.”
Serrano Runs Capital Challenge
On Wednesday, Congressman Serrano ran in the annual ACLI Capital Challenge 3 mile running race, which is put on each year as a friendly competition between Members of Congress, the Executive Branch, and the Judicial Branch and their staffs. "This is always a wonderful race," said Serrano after the race. "This year the race benefited the Wounded Warriors Project—a great organization doing fabulous work. In addition to raising money for a good cause, it also encourages everyone to get out and exercise to improve their health."
Serrano nearing the finish line
In the Bronx
Serrano Helps Open Starlight Park
On Friday, Congressman Serrano joined the New York City Parks Department, community leaders, and other elected officials to celebrate the reopening of Starlight Park at the park’s official ribbon cutting ceremony. Located on the grounds of the original Starlight Park amusement park, this new park boasts 13 acres of land located alongside the Bronx River and includes a synthetic turf multi-purpose field, picnic area, two new playgrounds, basketball courts, multi-use pathways, and floating docks.
“Starlight Park is a key component of the South Bronx Greenway that connects Concrete Plant Park, Hunts Point Riverside Park, and Barretto Point Park,” said Serrano "I was able to allocate the initial $1.2 million federal dollars to help start building Starlight Park, and while there is still work to be done to improve the park’s pedestrian accessibility, I am happy to see the community come together to celebrate another gem in the Bronx River Greenway.”
Serrano shooting baskets at the newly renovated park
CFPB Announces Spanish Language Website
Today, Congressman Serrano praised the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) for launching a Spanish-language website to help Spanish-speaking consumers to understand their rights, answer questions, and register complaints.
“This is an important step in consumer protection,” said Serrano. “Spanish-speaking Americans are just as vulnerable to unfair financial practices and abuses as other Americans, and this website will help them to understand how to avoid these schemes, as well as how to assert their rights.”
The new website can be found here.
Bronx Office Hours
Congressman Serrano’s staff will be available for off-site evening hours to share information about office services, and to help answer specific individual questions. This service is to help individuals who are unable to attend normal office hours. Please join us at our next off-site hours event on:
When: Wednesday- May 22, 2013
Time: 5:30 - 7:00 PM
Location: New York Public Library/ Belmont Branch
610 East 186th Street Bronx, NY 10458
Regular office hours are:
Monday through Thursday 9am - 12:00pm
1231 Lafayette Avenue (4th Floor)
Bronx, New York 10474
Grant
Maternal and Child Health Workforce Development
Deadline: June 7, 2013
The Health Resources & Services Administration has made funding available for a Maternal and Child Health Workforce Development Program. The purpose of this program is to support the workforce development of leaders working to meet current Maternal and Child Health policies, and to support implementation of the Affordable Care Act. Institutions with a history of successful academic-practice partnerships are encouraged to apply.
Please visit the Health Resources & Services Administration for more detailed information.
For more information about other federal grants please visit grants.gov.