Senator Serrano's Community Report

Dear Neighbor,

I hope you are staying safe and warm during this unpredictable winter we have been experiencing. I want to extend my gratitude to all of our essential workers who continue to serve our community. Your efforts, especially during challenging conditions, do not go unnoticed. Thank you as well to everyone who stayed inside during the recent travel ban to ensure that our essential workers could perform their duties safely and effectively.

In Albany, we are currently in the process of putting together the New York State budget. We are working to craft a budget that not just sustains, but improves New York. My office and I welcome any and all feedback on issues that are a priority for you that should be addressed in this budget cycle. We want to hear from you all!

In this newsletter you will find information on events I have participated in throughout the district and in Albany, as well as information on how to manage the colder temperatures. We continue to share helpful resources to navigate the winter weather and stay prepared. This includes information regarding heating laws in New York City, locations of warming centers, and tips to prepare for winter weather events such as this most recent storm.

I will continue to be out in the community and look forward to connecting with you at events throughout the district. My office remains available to help with any issues you are having. You can call us at 212-828-5829, or visit us Monday through Friday, 9am until 5pm at 335 E 100th St. My office also offers weekly off-site constituent hours, making it easier to get help with casework and other issues closer to where you live. Dates and locations are listed in the newsletter below and are also shared monthly on social media (@senatorserrano). Please do not hesitate to reach out if there is anything my office or I can assist with.

Yours in Service,

Senator José M. Serrano

29th Senate District

Events and Happenings

Lincoln Hospital Community Advisory Board Legislative Forum

Senator Serrano was pleased to attend the 2026 Community Advisory Board Legislative Forum at NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln, where he provided an update on his work in Albany and listened to the concerns of CAB members. Senator Serrano is grateful to the board members and hospital staff for their continued dedication to the health and wellness of residents in the South Bronx.

Arts Day 2026 Panel and Press Conference

Senator Serrano was proud to host Arts Day 2026 in collaboration with Assemblyman Ron Kim. Arts Day 2026 brought together an incredible group of panelists from across the state to discuss the many ways arts and culture are vital to New York. Leaders in the arts community and State Legislators came together to collaborate and share valuable insights on how best to support and strengthen the arts and cultural community across New York.

Following the panel discussion, Senator Serrano was proud to participate in a press conference and rally highlighting the many social and economic benefits of the arts, and the continued need for strong investment in arts and culture across the state.

The New York State Association of Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislators (NYSABPRHAL) Caucus Weekend

Senator Serrano was happy to participate in the 55th Annual Legislative Conference of the New York State Association of Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic, and Asian Legislators, held in Albany. This year’s theme, "Legacy Forward: Transforming Tomorrow Together”, was amplified by the attendees that have demonstrated excellence and integrity within their industries and communities.

This weekend was filled with workshops, panels, receptions, and events aimed at creating dialogue with members of marginalized communities on the issues and policies that impact them directly. Senator Serrano was thrilled to join fellow caucus members, colleagues in government, advocates, and constituents at events he participated in.

Senator Serrano participated in several events including Senator Cordell Cleare’s “One Harlem” Senior Roundtable, Senator Jamaal Bailey’s Youth Luncheon, Majority-Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins Reception, Food Bank for NYC’s Food Security Event, and the Asian-American and Pacific-Islander (AAPI) Reception.

NYC Health + Hospitals/ Gotham Health, Belvis and Morrisania Community Advisory Board Meeting

Senator Serrano was happy to meet with the Community Advisory Boards of NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, Belvis and NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, Morrisania to discuss ways to collaborate in addressing the healthcare needs of the community. The Belvis and Morrisania locations of Gotham Health have both worked tirelessly to address the many negative health disparities faced by communities in the South Bronx,and Senator Serrano is deeply grateful for their continued dedication and service.

Henry J. Carter Specialty Hospital and Nursing Facility Legislative Breakfast

Senator Serrano was pleased to attend the Legislative Breakfast hosted by the Community Advisory Board at NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem - Henry J. Carter Specialty Hospital and Nursing Facility in East Harlem to discuss the healthcare system’s needs, long-term sustainability, and expanding access to care for the community. Senator Serrano remains grateful to everyone at Carter and to the CAB members for their continued dedication to supporting the health and wellness of residents in El Barrio.

Youth Leadership Recognition Awards

Help recognize student leaders who make your school and community proud.

The New York State Senate’s Youth Leadership Recognition Awards program honors outstanding students who will become our future leaders. Eligible students include current sophomores, juniors, and seniors who excel not only academically, but through leadership in extracurricular and volunteer activities.

All entries must be submitted electronically by February 28, 2026

****Please note the nominator must be a school administrator or educator****

Submit Entries Here

Community Resources

2026 3-K and Pre-K Applications

New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) is the largest public school system in the nation, offering students a wide range of school choices, including free or low-cost early childhood education. Families can explore their options using MySchools to find and apply to programs that interest them.

For children applying to the 2026-2027 school year, 3-K and pre-k applications will open on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 and close on Friday, February 27, 2026.

How can families apply?

Online at: MySchools.nyc - Easiest!
Call: 718-935-2009 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm)
Through a Family Welcome Center

How can families reach out for help?

Email: ESEnrollment@schools.nyc.gov
Call: 718-935-2009 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm)

Learn more: nyc.gov/3k and nyc.gov/prek

Bronx Day in Albany- Bus Registration

The Bronx Chamber of Commerce will be chartering a bus for Bronx Day in Albany on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. Seats are limited and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Early registration is encouraged to secure attendance.

Departure Information
• Date: Tuesday, March 10, 2026
• Departure Location: 1200 Waters Place, Bronx, NY 10469
• Check-In Time: 6:30 A.M.
• Departure Time: Bus will depart promptly at 7:00 A.M.

Return Information
• Departure Location: 55 Eagle St, Albany, NY
• Check-In Time: 8:30 P.M.
• Departure Time: Bus will depart promptly at 9:00 P.M.

Register Here

Become an Emergency Snow Shoveler

Get paid to help keep New Yorkers safe after winter storms.

Emergency Snow Shovelers are called on after heavy snowfalls to remove snow and ice citywide from public areas like bus stops, crosswalks and fire hydrants, and step streets.

To be eligible, applicants must be:

At least 18 years old
Eligible to work in the United States
Able to perform heavy physical labor

Learn More and Register

Warming Centers

W.A.R.M. (Winter Access, Relief and Medical) outreach helps people in need during Code Blue emergencies. Warm vehicles offer cold weather relief, medical care, and transportation to warming centers, hospitals, and shelters. They operate overnight from 7 PM to 7 AM. They can provide clinical care, food, and warming supplies. You can visit 311’s website to learn more and find a warming space or warming bus location near you.

“Heat Season”

October 1 through May 31 is “Heat Season” in NYC. During this time, building owners are legally required to provide heat under the following conditions:

Day

Between the hours of 6:00am and 10:00pm, if the outside temperature falls below 55 degrees, the inside temperature is required to be at least 68 degrees Fahrenheit.

Night

Between the hours of 10:00pm and 6:00am, the inside temperature is required to be at least 62 degrees Fahrenheit.

NYC Emergency Management- Conquer the Cold

Winter is upon us, and it is important that you and your family are prepared in the event of a cold weather emergency. For tips on being prepared and responding to winter weather, visit the link below.

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

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

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