New York State Senator Jose M. Serrano

For years, Destination Tomorrow has been a safe space and critical resource for the LGBTQIA+ community in the South Bronx and beyond. This week, I was proud to present a check for $20,000 to help support their vital community programs. Thank you for all that you do!

The New York State Senate Summer Reading Program is great way to keep students engaged in the joys of reading all summer!

Students can submit their completed reading form by August 21, and they will receive an official summer reading certificate from me, recognizing their achievement.

See link for more info! https://www.nysenate.gov/nyread

The arts, culture, and music heal us, inspire us, and helps make New York City the joyful place that it is.

Yesterday, I had the honor of addressing and greeting the audience for the NY Philharmonic’s free concert in Central Park.

I had a great time yesterday at the Isaacs Center Community Day! It was a fun day of food, carnival games, and good cheer. Many thanks to Goddard Riverside, the Isaacs Center, and all who helped make this fun day possible.

On Tuesday, I was happy to join El Museo del Barrio for the kickoff reception for the 2026 Museum Mile celebration! Museum Mile is a wonderful cultural and musical festival where museums along 5th Avenue open their doors, free of charge, for an evening of community programming.

It is important that residents of the 29th Senate District have access to free legal services in their community and close to home.

Today I was proud to host the New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG) Mobile Legal Help Center at our office in East Harlem. Many thanks to NYLAG and their team for their services, and to all the constituents who joined us today.

Our local artists bring so much to our society, enhancing our lives while providing a major economic engine for our community.

For years, I have had the pleasure of joining Community Board 8 Manhattan at their Arts Show on James Cagney Place. Today’s event was yet another example of why the arts and culture are vital to our community!

My sincere thanks to CB8, and all who participated in this meaningful and fun event.

*FREE Shredding event!*

Join us on Thursday, June 25th, for our free shred event, happening at Lafayette Estates NORC Program, 825 Morrison Avenue in the . So happy to partner with Assembly Member Emerita Torres and Council Member Amanda Farias for this event!

See flyers for more info, and please call us if you have any questions.

Yesterday, the NY Senate passed my bill, S1058, which would require that landlords in apartment buildings converting to submetering provide a rent reduction to tenants equal to the utility costs previously included in their rent.

This important tenant protection measure helps ensure residents are not double-charged for utilities and establishes a process for appealing inaccurate rent reductions.

Read more here:
https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S1058

I am proud to announce that this week the NY Senate passed several Serrano bills that are very impactful for the people in our community.

S.1378A is the “Museum Education Act” and will establish education grants for museums throughout NYS to help ensure low-income communities can enjoy our museums, zoos, botanical gardens, and other cultural institutions.

Read here to learn more:
https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S1378/amendment/A

S.1366 would prohibit certain su***de prevention hotlines from being automated to ensure callers are able to connect with a real person in a time of crisis.

Read more here:
https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S1366

Arts education is critically important to our students, yet we often fall short on ensuring that these educational opportunities actually happen. S.1072A will direct the commissioner of education to conduct an audit and report on statewide compliance with state regulations for arts education instruction.

Read more here: https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S1072/amendment/A

Ensuring that our medical professionals understand and relate to the communities they’re serving is vitally important. S.1063 will require cultural awareness and competence training for medical professionals.

Read more here: https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S1063

Youth mentoring programs make a huge difference in the lives of young people, but often lack the resources they need to have an impact. S.1056 will make criminal history background checks free of charge for not-for-profit mentoring programs.

Read more here: https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S1056