Senator Serrano's Community Report

Dear Neighbor,

My colleagues and I continue our work to finalize our state budget, and I am grateful for all the feedback we have received from community members over the past few months. This budget must reflect the real and tangible needs of the 29th Senate District, and of the many communities across New York State.

Neighborhoods throughout the South Bronx and East Harlem are home to some very vulnerable populations. Seniors, new immigrants, residents living in public housing, and many others deserve a budget that addresses their needs, and provides the funding that elevates current and future generations.

As your representative in Albany, it is my duty to fight for the issues and needs that directly affect my constituents. Please continue to call, email, or stop by our office to give us your suggestions and insights on how I can better represent our community. Our office is open Monday thru Friday from 9am - 5pm, and we are reachable via phone or email: 212-828-5829, serrano@nysenate.gov

Yours in progress,

Senator José M Serrano

Chair of the Majority Conference

Events and Happenings

Rally to Stop the Cross Bronx Expressway Expansion

For decades, the Cross Bronx Expressway has been a symbol of poor urban planning that has caused division, pollution, and many negative health consequences for residents of the Bronx. Senator Serrano was proud to stand alongside colleagues, community members, and the Stop the Cross Bronx Expansion Coalition at a rally to say no to the expansion of the Cross Bronx Expressway. The proposed expansion would increase environmental burdens in the South Bronx, bring the Expressway closer to nearby housing, and remove already limited greenspace.

Rally Against Loss of Essential Plan Health Coverage

Senator Serrano was proud to stand alongside colleagues, union members, and advocates outside Lincoln Hospital in the South Bronx for a rally against the potential loss of Essential Plan coverage. Due to federal budget cuts, thousands of New Yorkers are at risk of losing coverage. To address this, I believe that progressive taxation is the strongest solution. An increased taxation for the highest earners can increase revenue and protect underserved communities like the South Bronx and East Harlem. We must work to ensure proper funding streams for healthcare and other essential services for all New Yorkers.

Senator Serrano Presents Award at Our Town Thanks You (OTTY) Awards

Senator Serrano was pleased to present an award at the Our Town Thanks You (OTTY) Awards, an annual ceremony recognizing significant contributions to the Upper East Side community. He had the pleasure of presenting an award to Leslie Cober, president of the Society of Illustrators, one of only four female presidents in the organization's 125-year history. The evening celebrated local leaders, business owners, and public servants whose contributions make the Upper East Side a better place to live and work.

2026 SOMOS, Inc. New York Conference

Senator Serrano was happy to participate in the 2026 SOMOS, Inc. New York Conference weekend in Albany, co-hosting two panels. The first panel, Cultural Spaces as Community Hubs and Economic Drivers for the State's Affordability Agenda, featured a discussion among panelists from seven leading cultural institutions across New York State. The panel explored the importance of cultural institutions, especially in communities of color, in advancing New York's affordability agenda, contributing to neighborhood vitality and safety, and serving as economic engines benefitting local economies.

The second panel, Modernizing New York's Democracy Infrastructure to Protect the Vote in 2026 and Beyond, featured a discussion among voting rights advocates on how updated election systems can strengthen participation, stability, and trust for all communities.

This semi-annual conference brings together leaders, advocates, and community members for important discussions on key issues facing the Latino community in New York.

SOMOS, Inc. New York Conference Gala Remarks

Senator Serrano was honored to attend the SOMOS, Inc. Conference Gala in Albany, where he joined Senator Zellnor Myrie in introducing Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, who offered inspiring remarks. This gala served as a great ending to a weekend of important discussions on policy and advocacy work to address the needs of Latino communities across New York.

Budget Extension Bill Debate

Senator Serrano introduced and defended S.9963, a budget extender, which allows for the functioning of state government while we continue to finalize the budget. This bill was vital to ensure payments for state payroll, Medicaid, and schools. Senator Serrano answered questions about the progress of the state budget before the Senate voted in favor of the extension.

New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) Legislative Briefing

Senator Serrano was pleased to join Senator Cordell Cleare, NYSCA Executive Director Erika Mallin, and local arts and cultural leaders for a legislative briefing to better support arts and cultural districts. Senator Serrano fully supports dedicated cultural districts in Harlem and East Harlem, and he is also the sponsor of a statewide cultural district bill, S.1062, to help promote unique cultural areas all across New York State.

Graduation 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.

Submit Entries Here

Earth Day Celebration

The Earth Day Celebration is for school children in grades K-12 from every corner of New York State. The Senate’s goal is to encourage children to develop an awareness of the environment and its resources. Teaching children about the importance of recycling and waste reduction is critical as we face the environmental challenges of the 21st Century.

OUR Theme: Our Power, Our Planet! The Senate’s focus is to emphasize the importance of recycling and waste reduction, to encourage the exchange of ideas about recycling and waste reduction among schools, children and adults and to stimulate creative thinking about solutions to problems concerning recycling and waste reduction. We are asking students to submit an original poem, essay, or artwork.

Deadline: All submissions must be uploaded to the website by April 30, 2026.

Submit Entries Here

Adirondack Day in Albany

If you love the great outdoors, then you will love the Adirondacks, but they're more than just incredible hiking trails. The Adirondacks are a destination filled with arts and culture, historic places, great food, amazing sports, and much more.

On Monday, April 27, Senator Serrano is proud to once again sponsor Adirondack Day in Albany. Come and explore the many Adirondack-themed displays and exhibits that showcase all that is great about this amazing region of New York State! See the flyer below for more information.

FREE Upcoming Community Events

Middle School Offers

Is your student entering middle school this fall? Want to learn more about offers and waitlists?

You’re invited to our virtual information sessions! 👋

Events will be held in English, with interpretation in 12 other languages—as well as ASL.

Friends of 4 Parks is excited to announce that our FREE “Yoga in the Park” summer program will return beginning May 16! Please save the date and plan to join us for a season of movement, mindfulness, and enjoyment of our local parks.

Dates: May 16 - September 26, 2026

Time: Every Saturday, 9:00-10:00 AM

Location: The north end of Franz Sigel Park Description: Class is free and open to all levels. Bring your own mat, towel, and water bottle. Sessions are led by a rotating roster of experienced instructors who bring expert guidance.

NYPL World Literature & Arts Festival

Celebrate the many languages and cultures of New York City at The New York Public Library’s annual World Literature & Arts Festival from April 15–30. Enjoy a full lineup of free events for all ages, including author talks, performances, bilingual storytimes, writing workshops, and much more. Plus, check out the Library’s multilingual resources and book recommendations from around the world!

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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