The Serrano Report, Vol. X, #2

In the Bronx

Serrano Opposes Postal Changes

This week, the Postal Service made two announcements affecting residents of the Bronx. First they announced that they had plans to sell the Bronx General Post Office Building on the Grand Concourse. Then, they announced that they were planning to stop six-day delivery in August. Congressman Serrano expressed grave concerns about the plan to sell the Bronx Post Office building and strongly opposed any efforts to end six-day delivery, noting that such a move would be illegal without action by Congress.

“The U.S. Postal Service has many budgetary issues, and needs Congress to complete a reform package, but they are acting outside of their legal authority if they suspend Saturday delivery," said Serrano. "They have been prohibited from doing so by language in the Financial Services and General Government appropriations bills for the past several decades. The passage of the continuing resolution did not suspend that language, as they claim, but in fact extended it. They receive ongoing payments from Congress through which they are subjected to our oversight and guidance. That also has not changed. Rather than use very dubious legal arguments to end Saturday delivery, the USPS should work hand-in-hand with Congress to come up with a successful restructuring and reform package that allows them to become more efficient while maintaining vital services like Saturday delivery.

“I intend to work with the majority on the Financial Services Appropriations Subcommittee to ensure that the USPS complies with the spirit and the letter of the law. Circumventing Congress is not a successful strategy for tackling the huge challenges that he USPS faces. Their challenges require that we all work together and come up with creative and sustainable solutions.”

Regarding the Bronx Post Office Building, which has landmark status and contains 13 historically significant murals in the lobby which were completed in 1939 by noted artist Ben Shahn and his wife, Bernarda Bryson, Serrano said: “More than many, I understand the budget pressures that the USPS is facing, and appreciate their need to find efficiencies. The potential sale of the historic Bronx General Post Office, a landmarked community jewel, seems to me to be step that should only be undertaken if all other measures have fallen short. I fear that while this may appear to be a good decision to them now, such a move is shortsighted and will have bad long term outcomes. This Post Office is a treasured piece of the Bronx urban infrastructure. Indeed, the magnificent artwork on the interior makes it more than infrastructure. We cannot sell off the public buildings inheritance we were left by previous generations of Americans.

“It is important to also pay attention to the other issues at hand. Above all, we must ensure that people in the Bronx are not unduly burdened by the need to cut costs at the USPS. We cannot ask frail seniors to walk long distances to use postal services. We must ensure that delivery is timely and uses a minimum of truck travel. We also must be sure that any sales or consolidation plans do not cost jobs. Too many jobs have already been cut at the USPS and we must find other ways to ensure its long-term survival."

Serrano Participates in Immigration Rally

Last week, the New York Immigration Coalition held a rally in favor of immigration reform. After several attempts to craft legislation to reform the nation's immigration policy have failed in recent years, there is renewed hope that the recent election has provided an opportunity to draft a comprehensive solution to immigration policy. Congressman Serrano addressed the rally, expressing his support for quick action on immigration reform. "We have an opportunity here to strengthen our communities by providing a path to citizenship for people here and for providing a better system for future immigrants," said Serrano after the event. "It is imperative that we seize this opportunity."

Serrano speaking at the immigration rally

Serrano Visits Soundview Senior Center

Last week, Congressman Serrano visited the Soundview Senior Center to talk to residents about issues of concern in the community and about the work of Congress. "We had a good conversation about issues being discussed in congress that affect our community," said Serrano. "It was a good meeting with a great group of people."

Serrano at the senior center

Serrano Mourns Passing of Ed Koch

Last Friday, former Mayor of New York, Ed Koch passed away at age 88. Upon learning of his passing, Congressman Serrano released the following statement:

“Today we lost one of the best New Yorkers in recent memory. Whether it was his wit and sharp tongue, his irrepressible spirit or his can-do attitude, never has New York had a leader that so embodied what New Yorkers are and can be. Ed Koch understood what people in New York thought and felt. He always seemed to have his finger on the pulse of the City. But above all, no one seemed to enjoy being Mayor more than he did.

“Mayor Koch was a tremendous public servant, but perhaps more importantly for his time as mayor, he was a cheerleader for New York City. He took over in a bleak time, and started turning the City around. His belief in the people of New York helped put our City back on an upswing that continues to this day. This is particularly true in the Bronx as he helped it rebound from its hard times, by insisting on rebuilding when others wanted to write our borough off. Ed Koch believed in the Bronx and believed in New York.

“Like most New Yorkers, Mayor Koch never held back on saying what he felt. And unlike some others, he took on any issue that needed to be dealt with, without fear of whose feathers he might ruffle. But even when there were disputes and difficulties over the years, he was able to use his charm and wit to help to smooth the differences so that work could continue on other pressing issues.  

“He will be missed in the City that he so loved and worked so hard to improve. Our City will miss having this one-of-a-kind New Yorker in its midst; Ed Koch will definitely not be forgotten.”

Grant

Prenatal Research Grant

Deadline:May 5, 2013

The National Institutes for Health recently announced the availability of funding for research into how prenatal exposures contribute to chronic diseases and health conditions later in life. Research applications should focus on questions regarding normal and abnormal development of organ systems and diseases of particular interest to participating NIH Institutes and Centers. Nonprofits, state and local governments, and tribal communities are all encouraged to apply.

Please view the announcement on the NIH's website for more information.

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