Senator Serrano Announces Member Item Grants

New York, NY – State Senator José M. Serrano (D-Manhattan/Bronx) has announced his list of approved grants for fiscal year 2007-2008.

"I consider this one of the most important parts of my job," said the Senator. "We have organizations with little funding that make tremendous contributions to our community."

"We also have well-established organizations that can expand and enhance their services," he added.

"But I also believe the system needs to be as transparent and open as possible. For this reason I have once again published my list of approved grants in an easily accessible format."

The Senator approved grants for programs that span public health, affordable housing, environmental protection, as well as arts and culture.

"Arts funding and education has always been a legislative and budgetary priority of mine. The arts raise social awareness, increase academic performance and provide an economic engine for communities in the 28th District," he said.

"New York State leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to arts funding. I am working hard to reverse those trends, and my approved grants are a modest, but integral part of that fight," he said.

"My office received a record number of funding requests this year, and I while I could not accommodate every request, I feel confident this list is reflective of the 28th District's strengths and needs."