The Serrano Report, Vol. X, #10

Serrano Questions Treasury Secretary

On Thursday, Congressman Serrano discussed a number of issues with the new Secretary of the Treasury, Jack Lew, at an Appropriations Committee hearing. Serrano, in his role as the Ranking Member of the Financial Services Appropriations Subcommittee, discussed the impact of the sequester and other potential budget cuts on the Department of the Treasury and on the nation's economy.

"Our nation is facing a self-inflicted crisis as a result of the sequester and other proposed budget cuts," said Serrano. "At the Department of Treasury, and elsewhere, there are insufficient resources to ensure our government can be as effective as possible. The IRS cannot catch tax cheats because they lack the funding to do the job. The Department as a whole cannot help promote further economic recovery because of the sequester. And we are increasingly endangering the mission the Department has to ensure the stability of our financial system, and prevent a future fiscal meltdown."

"Our country is a world leader in so many areas because we invest in those things that need doing, and we help those that need assistance in times of need. We are reaching a point, at the Department of the Treasury and elsewhere, where our government will be unable to perform the basic missions that the American people expect of them."

Serrano Speaks at CHCI Intern and Fellow Graduation

On Tuesday, Congressman Serrano spoke at the spring graduation of the CHCI interns, Public Policy Fellows, and Graduate Fellows. The interns and fellows come from all over the country and spend 4 to 9 months in Washington at government offices and at organizations that work closely with the federal government. "This is a great experience that they carry back to their communities," said Serrano after the event. "They are are a great group of young people and future leaders in our country."

In the Bronx

Serrano Visits Head Start Program

On Monday, Congressman Serrano visited the Highbridge Advisory Council Family Services, Inc--Head Start Program. "I was very pleased to have the opportunity to visit this wonderful program," said Serrano after the visit. "The administration, teachers, and staff are all doing a excellent job giving these children an enriching learning environment. The program just shows why we should be investing more money in Head Start, not subjecting it to foolish across the board cuts"

On Monday, Congressman Serrano joined students, administration, and staff of Hostos Community College (CUNY) at their "Big Event" to celebrate the college's 45th Anniversary and 43rd Anniversary of Earth Day. The Big Event is an annual event where students from Hostos dedicate hours of community service to help improve neighborhoods in the South Bronx. "It was great to roll up my sleeves and join the students at Hostos to help beautify and improve our community," said Serrano. "The participation of communities all around the country in Earth Day show how important it is to be good stewards of our environment."

Strengthening the Humanities at Community Colleges

The National Endowment for the Humanities recently announced the availability of funding under its Bridging Cultures at Community Colleges program. The object of the grants is to improve humanities edcuation and scholarship at community colleges and throughout community college systems. Nonprofit organizations and state and local governments are encouraged to apply.

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