From the Office of Rep. Joe Morelle

July 28, 2023

Dear JOHN,

This week I continued my work as a member of the House Committee on Appropriations to advance the federal government’s annual spending plan, announced legislation I’m sponsoring to address the childcare crisis, and took action to make higher education more accessible for individuals with disabilities. Read more below.

An Update on the Annual Appropriations Process

This week, my colleagues and I continued the annual appropriations process leading up to the end of the fiscal year on September 30. I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve on the House Committee on Appropriations and advocate for our community’s priorities throughout these proceedings.

Sadly, the House Republican majority continues to hijack this traditionally bipartisan undertaking and instead put forward proposals that fail to meet the needs of hard-working individuals and their families. This week, I voted “no” on the legislation they advanced which would drastically cut healthcare benefits for servicemembers and veterans, including those I helped secure in last year’s PACT Act, and make it more difficult for women serving in our Armed Forces to access reproductive healthcare.

Extremist Republicans have made their agenda crystal clear, and they’re willing to do whatever it takes to make it happen—even if that means cutting critical programs and services our communities rely on. You can trust that I will continue to fight back against these dangerous proposals.

Making Higher Education More Accessible for All

This week, we honored the 33rd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act—a landmark piece of legislation that took long-overdue and much-needed steps to ensure every person can live with dignity and respect, regardless of their abilities.

To mark this important anniversary, I partnered with my colleague Representative Brian Fitzpatrick to introduce bipartisan legislation to help make higher education more accessible for students with disabilities. Nearly 20% of undergraduate students have a disability, and unfortunately, too many do not complete their college degrees. Our Pell Grant Flexibility Act would help eliminate financial barriers to success and ensure people of all abilities have the tools to complete their education and pursue meaningful, rewarding futures.

Together, we’re building on the progress of the Americans with Disabilities Act and working towards a more inclusive and equitable society for all.

Addressing the Childcare Crisis

Rep. Morelle stands with a local family at a press conference on childcare

The struggle to find safe, accessible, and affordable childcare is universal—and it’s only getting worse. Critical childcare funding is set to expire at the end of September, which could cause over 250,000 children in New York to lose access to childcare programing if we don’t act immediately. On Monday, I was proud to stand alongside leaders and families from our community to outline legislation I sponsor that will address this crisis and provide the support parents deserve.

These common-sense bills would strengthen our economy, create good paying childcare jobs, and most importantly, relieve the emotional and financial burden too many working families face. I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass these bills and stop the childcare crisis before it’s too late.

Honoring Local Heroes

Rep. Morelle stands with Brockport Fire District's Chief Jose Medina and others

On Monday, I enjoyed the chance to visit Brockport Fire District and present a certificate to Chief José Medina, who was recently named "Firefighter of the Year" by American Legion Post 379. This award was presented to Chief Medina to honor his heroic actions in June of last year, when he rescued a driver from a burning vehicle. His bravery in the face of danger is unparalleled, and it was my honor to express gratitude for his service on behalf of our entire community.

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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