
THE SERRANO REPORT	Previous Newsletters \| Visit Website

Jun 6, 2008

THE SERRANO REPORT, VOL. V, #16

On Capitol Hill

Serrano and Crowley Add PCB Provisions to Bill

On Wednesday, the House voted 250 to 164 to pass H.R. 3021, the 21st Century Green High-Performing Public School Facilities Act. Congressman Serrano worked with Congressman Crowley to ensure that the legislation was expanded to include provisions to help school districts fund cleanup of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) contamination. This issue is of particular importance to the two Congressmen because it was reported earlier this year that several New York City schools in the Bronx and Manhattan were contaminated by PCB-infused caulk, used to seal windows and doors.

“Clearing the way for federal funds to be spent on mitigating any PCB contamination issues in our schools is a vital first step," said Serrano after the bill passed. "I commend Joe Crowley for his work on this issue, and know that like me, he is deeply committed to making sure our children can learn in school facilities free of health hazards. We cannot tolerate hazardous substances in the areas where children learn, play or live. Joe and I will continue to work on this problem until it is solved.”

The overall purpose of the legislation is to provide grants to states to make sure that they will have the resources that they need to make our public kindergarten, elementary and secondary schools safe, healthy and technologically up-to-date.

Serrano Helps Inaugurate House LGBT Equality Caucus

This week, Congressman Serrano joined with colleagues to inaugurate the House Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Equality Caucus. The mission of the caucus “is to achieve the extension of equal rights, the repeal of discriminatory laws, the elimination of hate-motivated violence, and the improved health and well being for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.”

In remarks at the kick-off event, Serrano said, “I am joining not just because it is the right thing to do, but also because as a Puerto Rican who has faced discrimination, I understand the struggle and feel the pain of the LGBT community.” He added that “it seems that often the hate that is directed at one ‘outsider’ or minority group is also directed by the very same people at other groups. The struggle against discrimination of one group is one and the same with that of another.”

The House LGBT Equality Caucus will provide members and staff with resources to fight for full legal equality for people of the LGBT community.

The founding members of the LGBT Caucus

In the Bronx

Serrano Honored by the Bronx Museum of the Arts

Last Saturday, the Bronx Museum of the Arts unveiled a plaque honoring Congressman Serrano for his many contributions to the arts community in the Bronx and his ongoing support of the museum. Above the plaque is a quote from Serrano reading: "Every child is endowed with a gift for envisioning a better, more just world. It is our responsibility to furnish our children and our children's children with the means to express that vision and explore the outer limits of their talent. I can think of no finer way to convey the aspiration, ambition, and dreams of youth than through the arts."

The ceremony was held in the museum’s Arts Education Center on the third floor of the new north wing.

Image: Serrano speaking at the Bronx Museum of the Arts event with Douglas Rice, Chairman of the Board of the Museum, behind him

Serrano looks on as Douglas Rice, Chairman of the Board of the museum, unveils the plaque

Serrano Addresses NWBCCC

Also on Saturday, Congressman Serrano delivered the keynote address to the annual meeting of the Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition (NWBCCC). Nearly 800 people attended the meeting, which was held at St. Nicholas of Tolentine Church. Addressing the theme of “Shared Fates/Community Values”, Serrano spoke about the common struggles of immigrants, African-Americans, and native-born Latinos to secure better lives for themselves under often difficult conditions.

Serrano addressing the NW Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition

Art Chosen for Congressional Competition

Congressman Serrano was pleased to select a self-portrait by Luis Ortega to represent the Bronx in this year’s House of Representatives Art Competition. Each year, participating Representatives hold local art competitions in their district for high school students. The purpose of the competition is to recognize the outstanding work being done by young artists. The winning art pieces are sent to Washington, where they are displayed in the Capitol.

“It gives me great pleasure to have the Bronx participate in the annual House Arts Competition,” said Congressman Serrano. “The arts play a fundamental role in the education of our nation’s students, and it should be supported. I am proud that we will have Luis' artwork representing the Bronx here in the Capitol.”

The art pieces will be formally unveiled on June 25, 2008, and will be displayed for one year.

Self Portrait by Luis Ortega

Grant Opportunities

Parenting Grant

Application Deadline: June 30, 2008

The Department of Health recently announced the availability of funds to increase awareness among expectant mothers and fathers about the resources available to them in their community. These public awareness campaigns should take the form of local advertising and the operation of toll free hotlines. State and local governments, independent school districts and 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations are encouraged to apply.

For more information about this opportunity, please read the full description.

For information on other government grants, please go to: www.grants.gov.

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