The Serrano Report, Vol. X, #19

On Capitol Hill

Serrano Votes against ESEA Reauthorization

On Friday, Congressman Serrano voted against H.R. 5, the Republican reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Serrano was joined by all of his Democratic colleagues and 12 Republicans in voting against the bill, which passed the House by a vote of 221-207.

"Reauthorizing ESEA should focus on giving an equal opportunity to children all over our country, it should not allow those most in need to fall behind, as this bill does," said Serrano after the vote. "We need to make sure that children, regardless of need or where they grow up, have access to an excellent education. Instead of fracturing education standards, like this bill does, we need to help all schools achieve a high standard and make sure that our federal education dollars are being used as effectively as possible.

"I hope that the Senate can move forward with a better bill so that we can take positive steps towards improving education for children in the Bronx, New York City, and across the nation. This House bill does not help us do that."

Financial Services Appropriations Bill Passes Full Committee

On Wednesday, the House Appropriations Committee debated and passed the fiscal year 2014 Financial Services Appropriations bill.  Congressman Serrano, as the Ranking Democrat on the subcommittee, led opposition to the bill because it contains many harmful cuts to agencies that most Americans depend upon. 

“This bill will harm not just government agencies, but all Americans,” said Serrano.  “At this funding level, most agencies in this bill are grossly underfunded.  We will increase our tax gap, ensure insufficient oversight of Wall Street, and reduce job creation.  Instead of looking to cut inefficiencies, the majority has simply had to cut both effective and ineffective programs alike.  These numbers are penny wise and pound foolish.”

Serrano offered several amendments to improve the bill, including one to increase funding for the Securities and Exchange Commission.  One amendment, to increase training funding at the division of the IRS involved in the targeting of liberal and conservative groups, was included in the bill passed by the Committee.

The Bronx

Serrano Calls for Re-Evaluation of 'Stand Your Ground'

On Monday, Congressman Serrano joined Congressmen Hakeem Jefferies, Charles Rangel, Gregory Meeks, and other members of the New York City delegation to commend the U.S. Department of Justice for taking steps to investigate whether a case should be brought against George Zimmerman, Jr. for violations of Trayvon Martin’s civil rights.

“Regardless of the verdict, one fact remains: a young man who went to get Skittles and iced tea from the store is dead,” said Serrano. “We must take this opportunity to reevaluate our laws and examine our society’s prejudices. We have come a long way since the days of the civil rights movement—particularly in places like Florida—but we still have a long way to go. No child of any color should fear for his life when he walks in his own neighborhood.

“I believe that there are several things that must be done. First, I support the Department of Justice’s investigation into whether  civil rights laws were violated. Second, all the so-called ‘stand your ground’ laws should be repealed to prevent these sorts of situations. And lastly, we must yet again come together in a national conversation about race, racial profiling, and the prejudices that still afflict us. Until we overcome these barriers to tolerance, we will continue to have sad tragedies like this one. ”

Serrano Helps Swear in New Citizens

Last Friday, Congressman Serrano joined the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services to swear in thirty-three young people as new American citizens. Hosted by the Wildlife Conservation Society at the Bronx Zoo, the children and their families gathered to recite their Oath of Citizenship and their first Pledge of Allegiance as citizens of the United States. “There are twenty-two nations being represented in this group of thirty-three children, all representing the greatness of our country and of our borough” said Serrano. "I am always thrilled to take part in this great event. Every year, the Zoo does a great job of hosting our newest young citizens."

Congressman Serrano with the new citizens

(Photo by Julie Larsen Maher of the Wildlife Conservation society)

Serrano Questions Legality of Selling Bronx Post Office

On Friday, Congressman Serrano announced that he had succeeded in including a provision in an annual appropriations bill moving through the House of Representatives that would ensure that the Postal Service’s proposed sale of the historic Bronx General Post Office receives extra scrutiny.

“I feel strongly that the US Postal Service’s plan to sell the Bronx General Post Office is ill-considered, and perhaps did not follow the requirements of the laws governing such transactions,” said Congressman Serrano. “With the inclusion of this provision in the annual spending bill guiding parts of the USPS budget, Congress now shares my concerns, and we are going to ensure that all laws and guidelines have been followed.

“These actions follow on the heels of an ongoing investigation--undertaken at my urging--by the Inspector General of the Postal Service into whether the Postal Service has followed all relevant laws in the sales of historic post offices, and whether they have followed those laws in the case of the Bronx General Post Office. My provision in the bill calls for the suspension of the sale of historic properties like the Bronx GPO until this investigation is complete, and all the laws and guidelines have been satisfactorily complied with.

“It should go without saying that we expect the Postal Service to follow every single requirement if they are determined to sell the Bronx General Post Office. It is too important of a building to our community, especially with its historically significant murals, which were created by artist Ben Shahn in the Depression, and have been enjoyed by Bronx residents for generations.  They should not be given to a private party never to be seen by the public again.

“We cannot have the gems of our communities, often landmarked and protected, sold by the USPS to the top bidder in a wanton and careless manner. These properties have unique circumstances and deserve great care and thought if the USPS can truly no longer use them. I am concerned that this is not happening in the rush to reduce costs, and I am glad that my colleagues on the Appropriations Committee share this concern.”

Grant

Development Grant

Deadline: August 08, 2013

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is inviting applications from private organizations, voluntary organizations, and local non-governmental organizations for programs designed to encourage sustainable grassroots development. USAID hopes to fund programs that spur grassroots development through support of local development initiatives in effort to underscore the importance of consistent civil engagement.

Please visit USAID's website for more information

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