The Serrano Report, Volume XI, #12

On Capitol Hill

Serrano Speaks Out Against Harmful School Lunch Changes

On Thursday, Congressman Serrano spoke against Republican changes to nutrition standards for the National School Breakfast and Lunch programs during the committee markup of the Fiscal Year 2015 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill. The subcommittee draft of the bill included language that would allow school districts to waive nutrition standards, which Democrats oppose. Congressman Serrano’s remarks were in support of an amendment that would have stripped this language out of the bill. 

A video of Congressman Serrano’s speech on children's nutrition can be seen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSggNfR46t0#t=3486

“We have heard a lot in the last couple of years from a lot of folks about what we leave our children and our grandchildren.  And most of that has been about the national deficit.  Most of that has been about dollars.  Most of that has resulted in deep cuts to many programs.  And regardless of where you are on that issue, regardless of how you feel about the deep cuts as I do, I think they’ve been too deep and too dangerous, you still understand the philosophy or the message of those who believe that you can’t pass on to our children and our grandchildren a debt that they can’t handle.  The contradiction here and the contradiction in this waiver, if you will, and this language, is that it ignores that there are other harms and difficulties that we can pass on to our children and our grandchildren.  If we don’t feed them properly, if we don’t teach them how to eat properly.  If we don’t teach them how to exercise, if we don’t teach them the best way we can to stay healthy, then we may be passing on a lesser debt, monetarily speaking, but we may be passing on more weight and heart trouble and disease.  And eventually, we will have to pay for that.  Because when people are not healthy, the society has to pay, either at the emergency room, through subsidies, or many other kinds of medical care,” Congressman Serrano said.   

“And yet, there is a contradiction that I keep hearing here.  One that says, we can’t pass on a debt, or we can pass on bad health.  We can’t pass on bad spending habits, but we can pass on bad eating habits.  We can pass on a lack of overspending, but we can also pass on a lack of exercise.  None of us here eat the way we should, and none of us here exercise as much as we should, but a lot of us try to stay as healthy as we can to be around the Appropriations Committee for a long time.  You know, we need to look at this and not contradict ourselves and so I repeat, you can’t say I don’t want to pass on a debt, but I don’t mind if people are passed on in bad health for the future and we pass it on to them.  I would hope that there is a way, either right now, or on its way to the floor, that we reconsider what we’re doing here today.  Because the reason you’ve heard so many people speak on this issue, Mr. Chairman and my colleagues, is because this may be the issue of our time.  It may not be the national debt, it may be the national physical condition, it may be mental health, it may be how we feel and how we act as human beings that may be what we have to worry about the most.”

The amendment that Congressman Serrano favored was defeated by the Republicans, and so their language to change the standards will remain in the bill. 

Serrano Mourns Passing of Maya Angelou

On Wednesday, Congressman Serrano mourned the passing of renowned poet and author Dr. Maya Angelou.

“I am saddened to hear of the passing Maya Angelou,” said Congressman Serrano. “She was one of the great voices for change in our country and ranked among our best and brightest. From her literary works on the black experience and womanhood, to her involvement during the civil rights movement, our nation was educated and deeply moved by her work. With grace, eloquence, and tenacity she rose above the adversity of her youth and became an inspiration to so many people. She contributed a tremendous amount to the arts and culture in New York and around the nation. On behalf of the Bronx, I extend my deepest sympathy and prayers to her family. Today we have lost a phenomenal woman. May she rest in peace.”

In the Bronx

Serrano Commemorates Memorial Day

On Monday, Congressman Serrano commemorated Memorial Day and used the opportunity to remind people of the true reason for the holiday.

“Some see Memorial Day as just an opportunity for barbeques and time with family and friends, but it is very important to remember that this is a solemn holiday when we honor those who have died protecting our nation," said Congressman Serrano. "And so, on this Memorial Day let us remember all of those heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. We must never forget them. We should also pledge to uphold our sacred commitment to those who bravely served our country by ensuring they receive the care they deserve."

Grant Announcement

Community Economic Development Healthy Food Financing Initiative Projects

Deadline: July 21, 2014. 

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) and the Office of Community Services (OCS) have made funding available for Community Development Corporations that will work to improve the economic and physical health of individuals living in food deserts. ACF and OCS are seeking to fund groups that will improve food access, provide long-term employment opportunities, and foster self-sufficiency among low-income residents. All non-profit Community Development Corporations are encouraged to apply. 

Please follow this link for the full grant announcement: http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=255897 . For more information about federal grants please visit http://www.grants.gov.