The Serrano Report, Volume XI, #21
On Capitol Hill
Serrano Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
On Monday, Congressman Serrano released the following statement in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, commemorated every year from September 15th through October 15th:
“Today marks the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month, when we come together as a nation to celebrate the unique traditions and countless contributions of those who trace their roots to the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean.
“As a Puerto Rican that was raised in the Bronx, I have always felt very proud of my culture and the many contributions that Puerto Ricans and the rest of the Hispanic community have made since even before the United States was founded. Throughout the history of this nation, Hispanics have played an integral role in the formation of its social and cultural fabric. From the arts to the sciences, from sports to politics, there is not a single area where Latinos haven’t made important contributions. This month serves as an opportunity to remember and thank the Hispanic community for their role in making America a richer and stronger country.
“Today, I salute the Hispanic community, especially the trailblazers that through their effort made it possible for our country to have its first Latina Supreme Court Justice, that helped us elect a record 37 Members of Congress of Hispanic descent last year, and that made it possible for me to be here today representing my community.
“We have many reasons to celebrate, but there is still much work to be done to continue making progress as a community. We have to keep fighting to be heard and pushing for greater opportunities. The Hispanic community is still anxiously waiting for comprehensive immigration reform that will allow immigrant families to stay together; for better access to a good education; for more economic opportunities in this great nation. Hispanics want a fair chance at the American Dream. It is that simple promise, the promise that if you work hard you can get ahead in life, that makes this country so special. House Democrats, including myself, are working hard to ensure Hispanics and all Americans have that opportunity.”
Congressman Serrano on Amendment to Train and Arm Syrian Rebels in the Middle East
On Friday, Congressman Serrano (D-NY) released the following statement regarding his decision to vote against the McKeon amendment to train and arm Syrian rebels considered earlier this week in the U.S. House of Representatives:
“I could not in good conscience support the amendment to train and equip Syrian rebels that was just considered in Congress. We should have had a robust debate and a comprehensive analysis in Congress before deciding to vote on this proposal, which ultimately means we will get further involved in the region. After more than 10 years of war in Iraq and Afghanistan, the American people do not want another ground war and this amendment moves us slowly in that direction. Once the United States decides to get militarily involved in Syria by supporting rebels, it will be hard to backpedal and no one knows when this involvement will end. The next step could well be sending our troops once again to the Middle East, and I cannot support that. The decision to train and equip Syrian rebels is also risky one as these arms could fall into enemy hands, and we don’t know the unintended consequences it will have in a country going through a civil war and with constantly shifting alliances. We shouldn’t have even considered and voted on such a delicate matter as an amendment to a larger piece of legislation. The amendment should have been brought to the floor as a stand-alone measure for members of Congress to vote their conscience without any other factors to consider.”
Serrano Supports Nomination of Maria Echaveste to Serve as U.S. Ambassador to Mexico
Yesterday, President Obama announced the nomination of Maria Echaveste to serve as U.S. Ambassador to Mexico. A former White House senior official of Mexican descent, her nomination is a great source of pride for the Latino community.
“I am confident President Obama has made the right decision in selecting Maria Echaveste to serve as U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, our next door neighboors and largest trading partners. I have known her for many years and have nothing but the utmost respect - both personally and professionally. I applaud President Obama's decision to nominate this eminently qualified Hispanic woman for such an important post."
Serrano Meets with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Northeast Regional Director Wendi Webber
On Wednesday, Congressman Serrano with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Northeast Regional Director Wendi Webber and Deputy Regional Director Deborah Rocque to discuss issues of importance to wildlife preservation and the environment in the Bronx.
From left to right: Deputy Regional Director Deborah Rocque, Regional Director Wendi Webber and Congressman Serrano
Serrano Meets Members of the Food Bank for NYC
On Thursday, Congressman Serrano met with several members from the organization Food Bank for New York City. The members came from different organizations in the Bronx and New York City to advocate for increasing funds for The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP).
“It was a pleasure getting to meet the dedicated members of Food Bank for New York City. I enjoyed meeting with these individuals who tirelessly work in our communities to expand the hunger safety net for needy families and individuals. TEFAP is an important part of these efforts and I will continue to fight for increased funding for the program."
Serrano with Members of Food Bank for NYC
In the Bronx
Serrano Applauds De Blasio's Announcement of Direct Social Services at Immigration Courts
On Tuesday, Mayor Bill De Blasio announced that for the first time in NYC’s history, the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, the Department of Education (DOE), and the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) will provide direct social services to immigrant children and their families at the NYC Immigration Court in response to the large number of unaccompanied minors arriving in the city after fleeing violence in Central America.
Representatives from DOE and DOHMH will be present at the court to help children and their guardians with school enrollment; provide them with information about the English Language Learners programs; help them with enrollment in Child Health Plus, a state funded public health insurance program; and to connect them with other services for which they may qualify.
“With this unprecedented initiative, New York City is taking the lead and serving as an example to other major cities who are seeing a large influx of unaccompanied minors. One of the main challenges that unaccompanied minors face when they arrive in this country is accessing health and education services and navigating the system without help and support. For the first time in New York City’s history, the City government will provide direct social services to unaccompanied minors and their families at the immigration court to help ensure a smooth transition. I applaud Mayor de Blasio for his leadership in this issue and look forward to seeing the positive impact this initiative will have in the stability of our city and of our families.”
Serrano on the Passing of Alfredo Thiebaud
Serrano with Alfredo Thiebaud
Congressman Serrano released today the following statement after learning of the tragic death of Alfredo Thiebaud, founder and owner of Delicioso Coco Helado.
“I was incredibly saddened to learn of the sudden and tragic passing of our friend and neighbor Alfredo Thiebaud. Alfredo was an exemplary business man, a community leader, and a friend to all.
“Starting with barely nothing after arriving to the United States in the 1960s as a migrant, Alfredo was able to build a successfulcoquito helado business with hundreds of carts throughout the streets of the Bronx. Today, that business provides countless Bronx residents with a job and a source of income. Not only did Alfredo achieve great success, but also he never forgot his roots and his community. For these reasons, both Alfredo and Delicioso Coco Helado will always be a part of the Bronx.
“Alfredo lived the American Dream – his life is an example of what can be achieved in America when you work hard and give back to your community.
“Alfredo touched the life of many with his coquito helado carts, his infectious joy, and with his support for the community. The Bronx will never forget him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones.”
Serrano Announces $250,000 in Funding for Urban Health Plan
Congressman José E. Serrano announced that Urban Health Plan, Inc. (UHP) has been awarded a total of $249,856 in federal grants to renovate the administrative space at its Plaza Del Castillo health center, located at 1515 Southern Boulevard. The funds were awarded through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
“For four decades, Urban Health Plan has been providing residents in the Bronx with access to quality health care services. This funding will help improve the well-being and overall care of residents in the Bronx. This funding will allow UHP’s Plaza Del Castillo facility to renovate its space and expand the services available to patients. This is an important federal investment in the health of our borough’s families and children.”
UHP will use the awarded $249,856 to better serve its patients by adding spaces for a health educator and a social worker, along with an examination room. Funds will also go towards enhancing the reception area to create a room for public health education presentations and the addition of kiosks with computers where patients will be able to access their health records.
Congressman Serrano Celebrates Community Board 9 Community Appreciation Dinner
Last week Saturday, Congressman Serrano joined Community Board 9 to celebrate their first annual Community Appreciation Dinner. Community members came together to honor the work of individuals who have demonstrated a longstanding commitment to improving the quality of life for residents throughout the area. Honorees included law enforcement personnel, community board members, and civically engaged youth.
"The Bronx would not be the same if it weren’t for all individuals who work hard for the betterment of our community. Community Board 9’s Appreciation Dinner will serve from now on as an opportunity to thank and celebrate the great work they all do on a daily basis. It was a wonderful celebration, and I look forward to joining Community Board 9 again next year."
Grant Announcement
Strengthening the Capacity of Faith-based Organizations (FBOs)
Deadline: October 24, 2014
The Department of Health and Human Services has made funding available through its Center for Disease Control and Prevention to support the integration of Faith-based organizations into The President’s Plan for Emergency AIDS Relief. Faith-based organizations and faith-based health systems offer distinctive resources for addressing the needs of specific communities, as well as social and cultural barriers, but may need assistance to build their capacity and strengthening collaboration. All relevant nonprofits, institutions of higher education, and local government groups are encouraged to apply.
Please follow this link for the full grant announcementhttp://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=264710. For more information about federal grants please visit http://www.grants.gov.