Senator Serrano's Community Report

Dear Neighbor,

I have been hard at work with my colleagues in the legislature as we endeavor to craft our state budget. I feel strongly that we must work toward a final enacted budget that addresses the real needs of New Yorkers in the 29th Senate District and across our state. Our deadline is April 1st, but we will work as long as it takes to ensure that our most vulnerable residents have the support and services they need. Thank you to all who have reached out to my office with suggestions, concerns, and insights as to how we should craft this important budget.

I’m pleased to share this latest edition of my e-newsletter, highlighting some of the recent meetings, community events, and legislative work my office has been engaged in across the senate district and in Albany.

As always, my office remains available to assist you with any issues or concerns. Please do not hesitate to reach out. You can call us at 212-828-5829, or visit us Monday through Friday, 9am–5pm at 335 E 100th St.

Yours in Service,

Senator José M. Serrano

In the News

Capital Tonight Interview

Senator Serrano was happy to join Susan Arbetter on Capital Tonight on Wednesday, March 25 to discuss the importance of a state budget that invests in the arts.

Watch the full interview here

Events and Happenings

Tax the Rich Rally

Senator Serrano joined his colleagues in government and advocates at the Tax the Rich to Invest in Our New York Albany Press Conference to support the progressive revenue proposals included in the Senate and Assembly one-house budgets. Senator Serrano believes that we must establish these revenue streams to invest back in our communities. This proposal could help to fund essential services and be used to create universal childcare statewide, fill federal cuts to ensure that no New Yorker loses their healthcare or SNAP benefits, and address the budget crisis facing localities across the state.

Celebration of Life for Ms. Linda L. Duke

Senator Serrano joined the family, friends, and community members of Linda L. Duke for a celebration of her life and legacy. Ms. Duke was a dedicated advocate at Mitchel Houses and a respected leader throughout the South Bronx. Community leaders and neighbors gathered to honor her many years of incredible service and the lasting impact she had on the community.

Meeting with the Fresh Air Fund

Senator Serrano met with representatives from The Fresh Air Fund to discuss their programs and the opportunities they provide for young people to participate in summer camps and outdoor experiences. Programs like these give youth the invaluable chance to explore nature, build confidence, and foster community with their peers.

Tourism Advisory Council Meeting

Senator Serrano joined members of the Tourism Advisory Council for a meeting at the New York State Museum in Albany. The discussion focused on tourism initiatives and the role that cultural institutions, museums, and historic sites play in attracting visitors and supporting local economies across our great state.

Nos Quedamos Spring Equinox Festival

Senator Serrano was happy to join Nos Quedamos, along with Assembly Member Chantel Jackson and Council Member Justin Sanchez, and community members for Nos Quedamos’ Spring Equinox Community Health and Resource Festival. The event, held at Yolanda Garcia Park in the South Bronx, brought together community members and local organizations to share health information and connect our community to important services and resources.

Graduate Certificate Program

As the school year nears its end, your Senator would like to honor your graduating and/or moving up student class with a Certificate of Achievement to commemorate this auspicious occasion. This program acknowledges your students' hard work and dedication by presenting them with a Senate certificate celebrating their accomplishment.

To participate in this program, please provide a list of potential graduates in an Excel file at least 1 week before your school’s graduation date.

View Requirements and Make Submissions Here

Legislative Update

Senator Serrano is happy to share that several of his bills have passed the Senate this legislative session. Please see below to read more about the bills.

S1057 SERRANO -- Relates to the reporting of alienation of municipal parkland

This bill requires municipalities with parkland alienation authorization to report to the Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation and allows the attorney general to enforce violations of this act by municipalities.

Learn More

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S1062 SERRANO -- Relates to developing criteria and guidelines for state designated arts and cultural districts

This bill authorizes the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) to establish criteria to designate cultural districts throughout New York State.

Learn More

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S1368 SERRANO -- Creates a temporary state pesticide commission to study the effects of the application of pesticides in New York City

This bill creates a temporary state commission to study and make recommendations concerning the application of pesticides in New York City.

Learn More

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S1377 SERRANO -- Creates a legislative task force on outdoor environmental education and recreation

This bill establishes a task force in New York State to promote outdoor environmental education and recreation. The bill addresses the decline in outdoor play for children and promotes the health benefits of nature, emphasizing ecological stewardship and access to open spaces.

Learn More

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S1380A SERRANO -- Relates to the cleaning of playground equipment after pesticide exposure

The bill mandates that all playground equipment in state and municipal parks must be cleaned within 24 hours of pesticide applications if the application occurs within a specified minimum distance, to protect children from potential exposure to harmful residues.

Learn More

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S1468 SERRANO -- Relates to the provision of patient health information and medical records

This bill requires the Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) to collaborate with owners of closed sections of the Empire State Trail to create signed detours and provide closure notifications on its website.

Learn More

Community Resources

NOTIFY NYC

Text NOTIFYNYC to 692-692 to get citywide emergency updates in English. Reply with one or more ZIP codes to receive more localized alerts.

Envía NOTIFYNYCESP al 692-692 para recibir actualizaciones de emergencia de toda la ciudad en español.

Notify NYC is the City of New York’s official, free emergency communications program. When you subscribe to Notify NYC, you can receive information about emergency alerts and important City services.

You can sign up for the following messages:

Emergency alerts
Planned events
Local mass transit disruptions
Regional mass transit disruptions
Major traffic disruptions
Public health notifications
Public school notifications
Waterbody advisories
Emergency parking suspensions
Beach notifications
Ferry disruptions

Interested in Performing at the 2026 Harlem Meer Performance Festival? Apply Now!

The Harlem Meer Performance Festival is back! A beloved community tradition since the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center opened in 1993, this festival brings the best local talent to the stage each summer, filling Central Park with music, movement, and performances set against stunning Meer-side views. The Harlem Meer Performance Festival is still accepting applications from local multicultural musicians, dancers, and family-friendly talent From Harlem and nearby neighborhoods.

Applications are due by Monday, March 30 at 11:59pm

Apply Here

Commemorate America 250 in New York State

As the nation marks 250 years since the founding of the United States, join historic sites, museums, battlefields, and attractions across New York State for events highlighting the revolutionary actions of New Yorkers, the innovations of our best and brightest, unparalleled arts and culture, those who bravely fought for equality, the beauty of our state’s natural history, and much more. Whether it’s a look back to early revolutionary moments or an exploration of the rich history of the trials and tribulations of our state as it grew alongside the country, there’s nowhere like the Empire State to commemorate America 250.

View Events

FREE Upcoming Community Events

Albany Office:
418 State Capitol
Albany, NY 12247
(518) 455-2795

District Office:
335 E 100th St.
New York, NY 10029
(212) 828-5829