The Serrano Report, Volume XI, #18

On Capitol Hill

Congressman Serrano Meets with Venezuela Embassy Official

On Thursday, Congressman Serrano met with Maximilien Sánchez Arvelaiz, who is currently serving as Venezuela’s Chargé d’Affaires in Washington, DC. In the meeting, Congressman Serrano stressed the importance of improving relations between both countries in order to maintain peace, stability, and prosperity in the Western Hemisphere.   

Congressman Serrano hopes that by increasing communication between the U.S. and Venezuela, diplomatic relations can be normalized.  A normalization of relations would lead to increased trade and cooperation on issues of mutual interest.

In The Bronx

Serrano, City Hold Roundtable on Workforce Development in the Bronx

On Monday, Congressman Serrano, along with the New York City Office of Workforce Development, held a roundtable discussion on how to transform workforce and job development in the Bronx.  The meeting brought together numerous stakeholders, including employers, educators, training providers, labor unions, and government agencies to discuss how to improve existing workforce development strategies in the Bronx, how to ensure better opportunities and training for Bronx residents, and how to attract new and emerging industries to the Bronx.

"This roundtable is an important first step in helping connect Bronx residents to better training opportunities and eventually, better job prospects," said Congressman Serrano." The Bronx is an attractive place to do business, but we must do a better job of linking residents to the resources they need to get good paying, living wage jobs," said Congressman Serrano.  "This meeting is an important opportunity to discuss what is working and what we must improve upon."

"Hearing from stakeholders in the Bronx is a key part of the Jobs for New Yorkers process to re-imagine workforce development for New Yorkers in all five boroughs,” said Katy Gaul-Stigge, Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office of Workforce Development.  “The partnerships being developed between employers, trainers and education institutions in the Bronx are exciting models for the Jobs for New Yorkers task force to learn from, and will lead to upward income mobility for Bronx residents."

"With today's reauthorization of the federal Workforce Opportunity and Investment Act, we have an important opportunity to set new goals for the Bronx, and to ensure that new and innovative resources are available to our local educators and workforce development programs," added Serrano.  "Today's discussion is an important step in identifying how we can all better serve Bronx residents and businesses.  All of us have a stake in making sure that Bronx residents have the chance to grow and to achieve economic success." 

The Mayor's Office of Workforce Development was created earlier this year by Mayor de Blasio in order to coordinate workforce development and economic development in the City.  The roundtable is the first step in a coordinated effort to revisit and revise workforce development strategies in the Bronx.  

Congressman Serrano Co-Sponsors Citizenship Workshop with NALEO at Hostos Community College

Last week, Congressman Serrano joined the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO), Hostos Community College, and several other organizations for a day long Citizenship Workshop. At the event, legal permanent residents received free legal assistance to complete naturalization applications, fee waiver applications, and other forms related to obtaining citizenship. “I am continuing to fight for comprehensive immigration reform each day in Washington, because I recognize the incredible importance of this issue ito many Bronxites," said Congressman Serrano. “An event like this is instrumental in making sure that residents get the quality assistance they need to pursue citizenship. I am happy to support a workshop that assists Bronx residents in moving closer to this goal.”

Congressman Serrano joins 161st Street B.I.D. for 2nd Annual Street Fair

On Saturday, Congressman Serrano joined the 161st Street Business Improvement District for their 2nd Annual Stadium Street Fair. Flocked by thousands of local residents, this event gathers local food and merchandise vendors for more than 12 hours of community celebration. This year’s activities included the unveiling of murals honoring Yankee legends, which were painted on gated storefronts along the street. “This event was wonderful last year, and it has grown to be even bigger and better this year,” said Congressman Serrano. “I would like to congratulate everyone who assisted in putting this event together. With thousands of attendees, it is clear that this fair captures the spirit of The Bronx, and reminds us all of the many reasons why we are lucky to live in such a wonderful place.”

Congressman Serrano Attends Bronx LGBTQ Pride and Health Fair 

Last weekend, Congressman Serrano joined The LGBTQ Community Services Center of The Bronx, Inc. for their annual Bronx LGBTQ Pride and Health Fair held at Crotona Park. The event honored local leaders, included musical and dance performances, and featured various informational speakers. “I have always, and will always, pledge my full support for full equality for all members of our community,” said Congressman Serrano. “There have been many accomplishments in the fight for equality, but we must remember that much more remains to be done, and we as a community need to continue to stand together and support each other in this fight.”

Congressman Serrano Attends Annual Waterfront Community Garden Association Community Fair

On Saturday, Congressman Serrano joined the Waterfront Community Garden Association for their annual community fair, held on Gildersleeve Avenue in the Soundview section of The Bronx. The event included a food, music, and a showcasing of local talent. “I am always happy to come out to community events that celebrate the neighborhood, its residents, and their accomplishments,” said Congressman Serrano. “Each year his event is full of such cheer, and demonstrates the fine appreciation that these people have for their area, and I am always grateful to be invited to be a part of it.”

Grant Announcement

National Endowment for the Humanities Enduring Questions Grant

Deadline: September 11, 2014

The NEH Enduring Questions grant program supports faculty members in the preparation of a new course on a fundamental concern of human life as addressed by the humanities. This question-driven course would encourage undergraduates and teachers to join together in a deep and sustained program of reading in order to encounter influential ideas, works, and thinkers over the centuries. Public and private colleges and universities are eligible to apply.

Please follow this link for the full grant announcement http://www.neh.gov/grants/education/enduring-questions . For more information about federal grants please visit http://www.grants.gov. 

On Social Media

Serrano Joins Instagram

Congressman Serrano has joined Instagram. Follow him at @RepJoseSerrano for behind-the-scenes pictures of him in the Bronx and on Capitol Hill.