The Serrano Report, Vol. X, #3
On Capitol Hill
Serrano Applauds President's Gun Control Plan
On Tuesday, President Obama gave his fourth State of the Union Address to Congress. Congressman Serrano attended the speech along and was joined at the speech by his guest, Bronx anti-gun activist Gloria Cruz, who lost a niece to gun violence in the Bronx in 2005. After the speech, Congressman Serrano reacted positively to President Obama’s State of the Union address.
“Tonight we heard a multi-faceted approach to reinvigorating and revitalizing our nation,” said Serrano. “President Obama laid out a clear vision for a country that is safe at home, respected abroad, and full of opportunity for average Americans. Congress should stop its obsession with reckless cutting and begin to help put our people back to work. We should immediately pass new laws to tighten gun control laws and prevent needless deaths. And we should work together to strengthen our nation for future generations.
“I brought Gloria Cruz to the speech tonight. Gloria is an Bronx-based activist for safe communities—communities that are free from the threat of gun violence. She has been a tireless advocate for ending the bloodshed in our nation. I was heartened to hear President Obama call for new sensible restrictions on gun ownership that would help to prevent the kind of killings that took Gloria’s niece from her. The safety of our children must come as a higher priority than preserving people’s unnecessary arsenals of high-powered weaponry. On behalf of the Bronx, I thank Gloria for coming tonight and for all that she has done on this issue.
“We heard the President speak about the need to produce good jobs for average Americans. I agree with him, and also agree that we cannot cut our way to prosperity. It is time for Republicans to end their obsession with cutting spending and begin to make sensible investments in our people in order to bring unemployment down. As more people work, and our economy grows, we will see the tax receipts rise and the deficit fall. This is the surest way to end any fiscal imbalances, and one that does not cause suffering, like the deep cuts advocated by Republicans.
“I particularly appreciated President Obama’s call for real comprehensive immigration reform. I believe that we are on the verge of accomplishing the elusive goal of setting our undocumented neighbors on a pathway to full citizenship. We should not allow ourselves to be sidetracked or distracted. This reform must happen. It is the fair and right thing to do.
“I must also applaud the President for announcing that we will begin to draw down the troops in Afghanistan. We have accomplished our mission there—it is no longer a haven for international terrorists. Our men and women in uniform have performed exceedingly well, and we owe them a debt of thanks as they arrive home. I am glad to see the end of the Bush era wars and appreciate that our foreign policy is now calibrated so that we are respected abroad and safe at home.
“Tonight we saw a President with a balanced vision of governing. He understands the needs and fears of our working families and is trying to address them with smart policies. I hope that Republicans can drop their obstructionist tendencies and begin to work with President Obama to achieve real results for our nation. The time has come for them to compromise and find common ground. Our nation is depending on it.”
In the Bronx
Serranos Celebrate Black History Month
Last Friday, Congressman José E. Serrano and State Senator José M. Serrano jointly held an event to celebrate Black History Month and paid tribute to three deeply accomplished New Yorkers, New York City Councilmember Helen D. Foster, New York City Civil Court Judge Donald A. Miles, and The Children's Aid Society President and CEO Richard R. Buery, Jr. “Each February we honor the contributions of our African-American brothers and sisters, and the Senator and I are always proud of the opportunity," said Serrano. "But we all know that one month is hardly enough time to reflect upon the many contributions African-Americans have made to this nation. This is an event that the Senator and I always look forward to very much, and we both believe that taking time to pay tribute to the history of African-Americans in this country moves us one step closer to fulfilling the promise of a free and equal society."
Serranos with honoree Councilmember Helen Diane Foster
To see more pictures from the event please visit Congressman Serrano's Facebook page.
Grant
Grant to Reduce Sexual Assault on Campus
Deadline: March 28, 2013
The Office of Violence against Women recently announced the availability of funding to address problems of sexual assault, domestic and dating violence, and stalking on campuses. This program encourages community-wide approach to reducing violence, improving assistance for victims, and improving prosecution of perpetrators. Institutions of higher education are encouraged to apply.
Please view the announcement (PDF) on the OVW's website for more information.
For more information about other federal grants please visit grants.gov.