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Posts from Rep. Joe Morelle

November 3

Empowering Individuals of All Abilities

Mary Cariola Center and President and CEO Karen Zandi are doing outstanding work to empower individuals of all abilities and support families in our community. Each year, their services support hundreds of children and young adults. I stopped by the center this week to discuss their latest initiatives. We’re working together to ensure everyone in our region has access to the resources they need to succeed.

Honoring our Veteran Community

We must always cherish the sacrifices of our brave veterans who protect the freedoms we hold dear. I was honored to present Rochester’s own U.S. Air Force veteran, Glen Fishbaugh, with the medals he earned through his service in a ceremony this week.

As a member of the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration, I also had the honor of presenting Vietnam War veterans from our region with honorary lapel pins and Certificates of Congressional Recognition on Friday. Hosting this event ahead of Veteran’s Day felt especially meaningful as we honor and thank those who served this great nation and fought to protect our democracy.

 Spending Time in the 19th Ward Neighborhood

This week, I was out and about in the 19th Ward community, stopping by local businesses and organizations that are making impactful changes for their neighbors.

I visited the Arnett Café for a fantastic breakfast with their signature comfort food. This locally owned small business has served the 19th Ward since 2013, and it was a pleasure to stop in and say hello to their team.

I also joined His Branches to learn about how their neighborhood-based health clinics provide critical care for our community. Everyone deserves access to healthcare, and His Branches is helping bridge that gap for those in need.

Another visit was to Teen Empowerment, where I heard more about their mission to create meaningful, lasting change by investing in the next generation of community leaders. Their programs train, employ, and empower local youth.

I also stopped by the newly opened University of Rochester pharmacy at Brooks Landing. This pharmacy fills an essential need for accessible medical options in our community. I’ve fought to bring down the cost of prescription drugs, and we must ensure lifesaving medications are available when our neighbors need them.

Supporting Family-owned Restaurants

Thank you to Ashley Henriquez and her mother, Maria Henriquez, from La Salvi—a local, family-owned restaurant at the Commissary—for inviting me to try some delicious Salvadorian and Mexican cuisine!

This is one of many success stories from the Commissary, which showcases Rochester’s innovative spirit. Local restaurants bring so much to our community, from good-paying jobs to making each neighborhood unique. I’m proud to support their growth and prosperity.

October 27

Securing Affordable Housing Opportunities

This week I joined the Rochester Housing Authority to announce the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development funded Bond-Hamilton Townhomes Project. We’re facing a very real affordable housing shortage and it’s threatening the economic stability of people across the country. This federal investment will work to make safe, affordable homes a reality for more local families. Together we’re transforming this property to bring families the stability they need and move us one step closer to a Rochester where no one is left out in the cold.

Ensuring our Seniors Have Access to Care

It was a pleasure to join Lifespan at their Medicare informational event to bring seniors the resources they need to make informed decisions about their coverage. I’m grateful for Lifespan’s partnership as we work to better serve our aging community and make services easier to understand. Medicare is a lifeline for millions of Americans, and I’m working to protect and enhance the program to ensure it remains accessible for current and future generations.

Fighting for Solutions to the Childcare Crisis

I hear heartbreaking stories every day from parents who are struggling to find safe, reliable, and affordable childcare. This is a crisis, and we need solutions now.

I joined the YWCA of Rochester and the Children’s Agenda to highlight legislation I’m fighting for that will reduce the exorbitant cost of childcare, get more children into high-quality programs, and ease the burden on families. Read more: Congressman Joe Morelle Takes Action to Address Childcare Crisis, Support Working Families

Welcoming the Economic Development Agency to our Community

I was honored to welcome the Acting Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Economic Development Agency, Cristina Killingsworth to Rochester this week. We visited local businesses and research facilities in our NY SMART I-Corridor Technology Hub.

Our first stop was Monroe Community College to visit my friend, Dr. Alexis Vogt. MCC is dedicated to educating the next generation of microelectronics technicians who will be critical to the success of our Tech Hub’s success. Together we took a tour of the optics program and discussed how they are preparing students for a successful career.

Then, we headed to the University of Rochester’s semi-annual Industrial Associates meeting where Assistant Secretary Killingsworth and I addressed members of the Rochester optics, photonics, imaging, and lasers community. Together we’re laying the groundwork for what’s to come and shaping a future where we continue to lead—locally, nationally, and globally.

Celebrating the Retirement of a Rochester Icon

Norm Silverstein is a dear friend and a true visionary in public media. I lovingly refer to him as “Stormin’ Norman,” in honor of his fierce advocacy as he brought to life his vision to push WXXI Radio forward.

It was a pleasure to join his retirement celebration and recognize the legacy he leaves of integrity and dedication to making WXXI and all its endeavors a place where public service and journalistic excellence thrive. It has been an honor to know him and work alongside him for nearly 30 years, and I wish him and his wife Jane all the best in this next chapter. Please know my office is always here to help. Visit morelle.house.gov to learn more about how we can assist you and your family.

October 21, 2024

Celebrating Innovation in Public Transportation

For many in our community, access to public transportation isn’t just a convenience, it’s a necessity. It’s how people get to work, how kids get to school, and how families make it to healthcare appointments, grocery stores, or just visit loved ones across town. The Regional Transit Service, better known as RTS, works tirelessly to ensure our community can access safe, reliable public transportation. This week we celebrated the next innovative era of the RTS fleet: zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell buses that are accessible, efficient, and help us fight the climate crisis. I’m excited to help Rochester become a national leader in how public transportation systems can reduce emissions and embrace the technologies of the future.

Meeting with Global Manufacturing Leaders

The Gleason Corporation was founded right here in Rochester in 1865. Their work specializing in high-precision gears is at the forefront of the global manufacturing landscape. I joined them for a tour of their impressive facility and spoke with their team about how we can support their continued growth. It’s always a privilege to meet with the organizations that drive Rochester’s one-of-a-kind innovation economy.

Celebrating the Drivers of New Technologies 

Our community is home to remarkable creators and innovators, many of whom were recognized at the TechRochester G.R.E.A.T. Awards Ceremony this week. These awardees are paving the way for a future where Rochester is at the cutting edge of new technologies. I’m grateful for their hard work and partnership as we dream big, push boundaries, and work hand in hand to build a brighter future for Rochester.

Meeting with the Leaders of Rochester 

Leadership Rochester is an extraordinary asset to our community working to ensure our leaders have the tools, experience, and exposure necessary to continue their great work. I joined them to discuss some of the lessons I’ve learned about leadership throughout my time in public service. I look forward to seeing how these leaders continue to break down barriers, inspire change and growth, and push our community into the next era of success.

Protecting Older Americans from Targeted Scams  

It’s truly frightening to witness the increase we have seen in the past few years of scams targeted at our senior community. These crimes deeply affect our sense of security, trust, and well-being—and it’s important we know how to recognize the warning signs and stop these threats.

I was joined by Lifespan and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department at Keeler Park Apartments this week to speak with residents about common scams currently targeting older Americans, and how they can protect themselves and their loved ones.

October 7, 2024

Connecting Families with Critical Social Services

Families rely on government programs to help put food on the table and meet their basic, daily needs. There are still significant barriers holding people back from accessing the benefits and services they deserve and it’s our responsibility to provide opportunities for everyone to achieve a greater sense of economic and financial stability.

This week I introduced legislation alongside Senator Gillibrand to empower people and families with the tools they need to thrive and help ensure no one is left behind. Read More: Representative Morelle, Senator Gillibrand Introduce Legislation to Strengthen Social Services and Uplift Families

Recognizing International Older Person’s Day

October 1st marked International Older Person’s Day—a day to recognize our senior community and recommit ourselves to protecting the resources they need to age comfortably. I’m fighting for legislation like the Social Security 2100 Act to protect the longevity of Social Security and ensure every American who has worked their entire lives to have security and peace of mind in retirement receives the benefits they are owed. I’m also working to expand affordable senior housing, lower the cost of prescription drugs, and ensure our seniors have everything they need to age with dignity and independence.

Supporting Survivors of Domestic Violence

Domestic and dating violence affects thousands of people in Rochester each year. Survivors of these abhorrent acts need access to life-saving resources and protections.

This week I announced $500,000 in federal funding for Monroe County and the Willow Center. This significant federal funding will expand our ability to fully prosecute offenders and ensure survivors have access to the support they deserve. Read more: Congressman Joe Morelle Announces Federal Funding to Hold Violent Offenders Accountable, Support Survivors of Domestic Violence

Now Accepting Internship Applications

We welcome students to both my Washington, D.C., and Rochester district offices each semester to take part in a congressional internship program. Here students will learn about the legislative process take part in day-to-day office work, and acquire the skills needed to launch a career in public service. We are now accepting applications for the upcoming Spring 2025 program. If you or a student you know are interested in joining the program, visit my website for full application details.

Celebrating Rosh Hashanah

Shanah Tovah to all our neighbors in Rochester and across the world who celebrated Rosh Hashanah this week!

Wishing all of you a blessed new year filled with peace, joy, and good health. Please know my office is always here to help. Visit morelle.house.gov to learn more about how we can assist you and your family.

July 14, 2024

Fighting for Investment in Our Community

I am proud to serve on the House Committee on Appropriations, where I advocate for our community’s priorities. During this week’s committee markup, I was disappointed but sadly not surprised to see the House Republican majority put forth proposals with devastating cuts to programs and services our region relies on.  

Extremist Republicans introduced cuts to federal agencies that affect our safety, security, and energy future. They pushed for cuts to the Environmental Protection Agency which would knee-cap their ability to combat the effects of the climate crisis, and cuts to agencies that provide affordable housing and support for the elderly or individuals with disabilities. Our appropriations bills should uplift our communities, not pull the rug out from under them—so I voted no.  Republicans also doubled down on last week’s Supreme Court decision with an amendment to further shield the former president from prosecution. I spoke out against this and highlighted my plan to introduce a constitutional amendment that would reverse the decision and protect the integrity of our democracy. 

Protecting Voting Rights

This week, I led the debate on the House floor against H.R. 8281, the SAVE Act. This legislation would create burdensome hurdles for citizens registering to vote and trying to cast their ballots under the guise of stopping noncitizen voting in federal elections—which is already illegal.   Republicans admit there is no evidence of noncitizen voting in our elections, yet they continue to spread disinformation and sow the seeds of doubt in our democracy. This is simply a pretext for trying to overturn the 2024 election, and it’s disgraceful. 

Supporting our First Responders

This week, I was proud to announce $50,000 in federal funding for the Gates Fire Department to combat carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is often referred to as the “invisible killer” because it is so difficult to detect, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of innocent Americans each year. 

This grant program was enacted through legislation named after Nicholas and Zachary Burt, two boys who lost their lives to carbon monoxide poisoning in their home. The funding will equip more homes, senior living facilities, and community spaces with life-saving carbon monoxide alarms to keep people safe.  

Visit CPSC’s Carbon Monoxide Information Center to learn more about the dangers of carbon monoxide and how to protect yourself and your loved ones.  Read more: Congressman Joe Morelle Announces Federal Funding for Local Fire Department to Reduce Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

An Update for Social Security Beneficiaries

Social Security payments are a lifeline for millions of Americans, and beneficiaries rely on their accuracy and consistency. Until recently, when an overpayment of benefits occurred, the Social Security Administration (SSA) collected 100 percent of a recipient’s monthly benefit—leaving individuals stranded without critical income. This was an unnecessarily burdensome practice, particularly for individuals on fixed incomes. 

Thankfully, I am pleased to share the SSA has decreased the default overpayment withholding rate for new overpayments to ten percent, or $10, whichever is greater.  

In every stage of their lives, hard-working Americans rely on Social Security benefits, and I’ll keep working to protect their accessibility.  

If you need assistance with overpayment or your Social Security benefits, please do not hesitate to contact my office or the SSA at 1-800-772-1213.   Please know my office is always here to help. Visit morelle.house.gov to learn more about how we can assist you and your family.

June 29, 2024

Honoring a Rochester Hero

On Wednesday, I spoke on the House floor to honor the life of Robert “Al” Persichitti, a World War II veteran and beloved member of our community who passed away during a recent trip to Normandy for the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

I was honored to meet Al a few years ago at his 100th birthday celebration, and we became fast friends. He embodied the very meaning of the word patriot, and at the spry, young age of 102, his commitment to his country and service over self never wavered. Rest in peace, Al, you’ve certainly earned it.

Defending Women’s Rights

Funding bills are statements of values, and House Republicans have made theirs clear: they intend to double down on their assault on women.

This week, they unveiled proposals for our country’s Fiscal Year 2025 spending bills, which contain draconian cuts to programs and services like Title X Family planning, Planned Parenthood health centers, Violence Against Women Act grants, and more. These are blatant attacks against women’s freedoms, and I’m committed to using my position on the House Appropriations Committee to fight back. I’ve always stood up to protect women’s rights, and I always will. Read more: Congressman Joe Morelle Condemns Republican Efforts to Cut Funding for Programs that Support and Protect Women

Celebrating Local Artistic Talent

I was honored to welcome the winner of this year’s Congressional Art Competition, Talia Favitta, to Washington to see her art hanging at the Capitol! It’s exciting to see the artistic talent that thrives in our community, especially at such a young age. Congratulations, Talia!

Hearing Directly from Stakeholders

I often meet with local, statewide, and national organizations to understand how I can take action in Congress to support them. Here are a few of the groups I sat down with this week:

Rochester is home to so many thriving local businesses, including Baldwin Richardson Foods—a family-owned and operated business that is leading the food and beverage industry. I was glad to meet with their team and get a taste of the work they’re doing.

Americans for Responsible Innovation is focused on protecting our communities from harm while continuing to foster innovation. I was grateful to sit down with their Co-Founder to discuss the evolving threat artificial intelligence poses, and how we can combat abuse of the technology as it grows.

I’m proud to support our aging population alongside AARP of New York—the leading advocacy organization for people 50+. We met to discuss the importance of older Americans having access to Social Security and Medicare, which I’ll always fight to protect.

It was wonderful to welcome my friend State University of New York (SUNY) System Chancellor John King to Washington! Chancellor King has been a steadfast partner in making higher education more affordable and accessible across New York State, and as a proud SUNY alum, I’m particularly grateful for his work.

Remembering Dan DiClemente

I join with our entire community in mourning the passing of my good friend and longtime labor leader Dan DiClemente following his battle with cancer. My heart goes out to Dan’s wife, Laura, their children, and everyone who knew and loved him.

June 22, 2024

 Welcoming Home NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy

Deputy Melroy and Congressman Morelle stand in front of the planetarium.

Today, I had the honor of hosting Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy—a Rochester native, former astronaut, and second-in-command at NASA. She joined me to see firsthand the extraordinary work being done in Rochester in science and innovation, and we were so excited to have her here.

Visit to L3 Harris

Rochester has a long and proud history of discovery, curiosity, and innovation, and at L3Harris Technologies, Deputy Administrator Melroy and I had the opportunity to see how we’re writing the next chapter of this legacy with their work on the Nancy Grace Roman Telescope.

Congressman Morelle and Deputy Admin. Melroy visit the planetarium

Our next stop was the Rochester Museum and Science Center’s Strasenburgh Planetarium—one of my favorite places in Rochester. As a lifelong lover of learning and the cosmos, I was thrilled to show Deputy Administrator Melroy around this beloved landmark and celebrate our ongoing partnership with NASA.

Visit to MCC to see their optics lab

Monroe Community College’s two-year optics program led by Dr. Alexis Vogt is truly one-of-a-kind and is helping to build our workforce of the future. Students and graduates of these programs will be well-poised to lead in this critical field, and some of them may even end up working at NASA!

I look forward to working with Deputy Administrator Melroy to leverage our community’s unique talents and help support NASA’s mission to boldly go where no one has gone before!

Protecting our Children

Congressman Morelle stands with local elected officials to receive a check from the NYS Attorney General's office.

Vaping and the use of e-cigarettes have become an epidemic across America, and it’s having serious health consequences on children as young as 10 or 11. On Tuesday, I joined my longtime friend New York State Attorney General Tish James to announce new actions she’s taking to address this crisis head-on and keep our children safe. 

Her steadfast leadership and efforts to hold the e-cigarette industry accountable are helping pave the way for safer, brighter futures for Rochester’s young people, and I’m proud to stand with her in this fight.

 Growing Rochester Businesses 

Congressman Morelle stands with Xerox CEO Steven Bandrowczak

It was great to be at Xerox in Webster to help cut the ribbon on their new and improved Learning Excellence Center and celebrate the addition of their Sales Learning Academy. With these resources, Xerox will propel their employees to the next level—all while strengthening Rochester’s workforce and economy in the process.

Honoring Juneteenth

Image reading

This week we celebrated Juneteenth, and I had the privilege of joining friends and neighbors to kick off the annual Rochester Juneteenth 5K. As we recognize this holiday, we come together to honor the struggle and resilience of our Black community, reflect on our history, and celebrate our diversity. Juneteenth is a celebration of how far we have come in the journey towards achieving equality—but it’s also a stark reminder of how far we still must go. 

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