(Bronx, NY)--State Senator José M. Serrano and his father Congressman José E. Serrano honored three exceptional local community leaders in their annual celebration of Black History Month. This year's honorees were the Hon. Helen Diane Foster, Council Member from the 16th District in the Bronx;  Richard R. Buery, Jr., President and CEO of The Children's Aid Society; and Hon. Donald A. Miles, Civil Court Judge of the City of New York-Bronx County.

At the direction of the Mayor, the public is hereby advised that significant snowfall has been forecast starting today in the afternoon through Saturday morning.

1. The public is urged to avoid all unnecessary driving during the duration of the storm and, until further directed, to use public transportation wherever possible. As New Yorkers are making their commuting plans for tomorrow, they should be aware that driving conditions will be difficult.  If you must drive, use extreme caution. 

State Senator Hugh T. Farley (R, C, I - Schenectary) and fellow Senate Republicans recently urge Governor Cuomo to remove the proposed extension of the utility tax surcharge from his Executive Budget. The 18-a surcharge, which has increased utility bills for every ratepayer in the state, is scheduled to expire on March 31, 2014. The Governor's proposed five-year extension would cost businesses and consumers a total of almost $3 billion. 

Governor Cuomo has just unveiled his Executive Budget proposal for the State Fiscal Year 2013-14, marking the start of the annual budget debate and negotiation process.

I am carefully reviewing all aspects of the Governor's plan, in order to ensure that it meets the needs of our local communities, as well as our state as a whole. I am already concerned about the school aid portion of his proposed budget and will be examining the numbers thoroughly. I have already heard concerns from schools in my district about their figures. I also share the concerns of local municipalities and schools that we need more action on mandate relief.

(South Bronx, NY)- "I am deeply saddened and disappointed to learn of the Archdiocese's decision to continue with the closing of the Saint Jerome School," said Senator Serrano. "It was my hope that the Archdiocese would provide St. Jerome with a viable plan to allow the school to remain open. Not only is the school an iconic presence for residents of the South Bronx, but it has a long history of providing an outstanding education to the youth of our community, many of whom are new immigrants. I strongly urge the Archdiocese to reconsider this troublesome decision so that children who attend St. Jerome may continue to receive the quality education that they deserve," continued Serrano.