From the Office of Rep. Joe Morelle

April 14, 2023

Dear JOHN,

It was great to spend another week in Rochester and welcome the start of warmer weather! Next week, I’ll return to Washington ready to turn your suggestions and ideas into action and results for our families. Read more about my week below.

Honoring Our Heroic Local Veterans

Rep. Morelle stands with local Vietnam War veterans at a pinning ceremony

President Calvin Coolidge once said: “The nation which forgets its defenders will itself be forgotten.” It is critical that we take every opportunity to show our appreciation for our courageous veterans who have put their lives on the line for our country.

As a member of the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration, I had the extraordinary privilege of presenting local Vietnam War veterans from the Honeoye Falls-Lima American Legion with honorary lapel pins and Certificates of Congressional Recognition. It is my hope that these pins serve as a constant reminder to our courageous veterans that we will never forget their service, sacrifice, and heroism.

This was the second Pinning Ceremony my office has hosted, and we’ll be holding more throughout the year. If you know a Vietnam War veteran who should receive this commemorative pin, please reach out to our office and we’ll be sure to include them in our next event.

Read: Congressman Joe Morelle Honors Local Vietnam Veterans

Standing Up For Reproductive Healthcare

Last year, I warned that extremist Republicans would stop at nothing to enact a national abortion ban. Just months later, here we are—on the doorstep of what is effectively a national abortion ban for the vast majority of women in America. Last week, a federal judge ordered the Food and Drug Administration suspend its approval of mifepristone, a drug that has been used for safe medical abortions for over two decades.

I want to be clear: reproductive care is healthcare—and women everywhere deserve better than to have access to essential health services ripped out from under them. This continued assault on women’s rights underscores why we must enact federal protections for reproductive healthcare and the right to choose.

I sat down with Channel 8 to discuss this issue in depth. You can watch my interview here.

Combatting Invasive Species in New York State

Congressman Morelle views Spotted Lanternfly

I was honored to join a group from the Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences’ New York State Integrated Pest Management Program to talk about our work together to address the invasive Spotted Lanternfly. The Spotted Lanternfly poses a serious risk to our agricultural economy and jeopardizes the livelihood of farmers, brewers, and wine makers alike.

Millions of dollars in damage to our crops and thousands of jobs are on the line if we do not act to combat the spread of the Spotted Lanternfly. I have worked closely with the United States Department of Agriculture to secure funding for eradication efforts, and I will continue to utilize my position on the House Committee on Appropriations to push for additional resources to address this issue. I am grateful to Cornell for their partnership and commitment to spreading awareness about the dangers of the Spotted Lanternfly, and I look forward to our continued work together.

Celebrating Rochester's Arts Community

Rep. Morelle visits the Hochstein School

We are lucky to have such a vibrant arts community here in Rochester, and the Hochstein School and their team are a critical piece of what makes us so special. I toured their beautiful performance space and had the chance to learn more about their world-class music programs which have been enriching the lives of Rochester residents for more than a century. You can learn more about Hochstein and sign up for programs and classes here.

Creating Safe Homes For Our Children

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, an important time to redouble our commitment to ensuring every child has a safe environment at home. In our community, we are lucky to have outstanding resources like the Bivona Child Advocacy Center available for our families. They are working tirelessly to support children across Rochester, and I’m grateful for their continued partnership.

If you or someone you know may be experiencing child abuse, visit Bivona’s website here or call the NYS Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-342-3720.

Remember: the deadline to file a 2022 federal tax return or request an extension is coming up in just a few days on April 18, 2023.The IRS has a Free File tool, which is available here, to assist with your tax filing. For more information, visit the IRS website here or reach out to the IRS Tax Office on East Avenue in Rochester here.

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.     

Warmest personal regards,    

Joe Morelle     

New York’s 25th Congressional District 