From the Office of Rep. Joe Morelle

May 26, 2023

Dear JOHN,

It was great to spend time this week promoting Rochester’s economic potential as a hub for innovation, fighting to protect the programs and services our families rely on, and celebrating our local healthcare heroes. I’m also working alongside my colleagues to raise the debt ceiling and avert a default, which would have devastating impacts across America. Read more about my week below.

Working to Address the Debt Ceiling Crisis

This week, negotiations continued in Washington to address the debt ceiling—a critical responsibility of our government that must be completed before June 1. This is usually a routine and bipartisan process similar to paying off a credit card bill; however, Republicans have chosen to hold the debt limit hostage in an effort to advance their own agendas. They’re pushing to roll back funding for everything from Medicaid coverage to food assistance programs to childcare, and it’s shameful.

As we approach the deadline to avert a first-ever default, I want to reiterate my commitment to fighting for a deal—but one that does not come at the expense of cuts to critical programs and services our families rely on. I will continue working with my colleagues in good faith to uphold our fiscal responsibility while prioritizing the needs of our community.

Celebrating Our Local Healthcare Heroes

Rep. Morelle speaks to Penfield Volunteer Ambulance

This week we celebrated National EMS Week, and I had the honor of joining the Penfield Volunteer Ambulance Service for their annual awards banquet. This event serves as a celebration and expression of gratitude for the extraordinary work our emergency medical service providers do every day in our community.

These hardworking men and women are the first line of defense in an emergency—often enduring long hours and dangerous working conditions. Their courage and selflessness keeps our families safe, and I know we are all deeply grateful for their service.

To EMS providers everywhere: thank you for all you do!

The Future of Innovation is Here in Rochester

Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down with my friend Dr. Simon Johnson—an MIT professor, world-renowned economist, and accomplished author—to discuss one of our favorite topics: technological innovation. I can promise you this: it doesn’t just happen in Silicon Valley; it’s happening right here in our own backyard.

Our community is home to world-class universities and businesses who are already leading the charge in high-tech innovation. In fact, it was announced this week that the Rochester Institute of Technology was selected as one of 11 universities to participate in a research and development program established by Micron Technology. This exciting partnership will leverage RIT’s unique expertise in semiconductor fabrication to grow our specialized workforce, strengthen our economy, and enhance our global competitiveness.

Innovation is our future, and I know Rochester will be at the forefront.

Reflecting on Memorial Day

This weekend, we join with our fellow Americans to recognize Memorial Day and pay tribute to the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

No matter when or where they were stationed, no matter which enemies they faced or challenges they overcame, our fallen patriots are united by a common thread: the values that drove them to serve. Honor, selflessness, courage. Their love of our country was so fierce, they were willing to give their lives to keep it safe and free for the rest of us to enjoy.

We know it is a debt we can never repay. But we can make sure it is never forgotten. This Memorial Day, let us take time to reflect on the service and sacrifice of our heroes who are the very reason we can stand up and sing about the “land of the free and the home of the brave.” May God bless their souls, and may God Bless America.

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