From the Office of Rep. Joe Morelle

August 18, 2023

Dear JOHN,

It was great to spend another week in our community honoring the lives and legacies of those who came before us, continuing the fight to bolster opportunities and growth in Rochester, and hearing from local organizations and families on how our government can better serve our community. Read more below.

Remembering the Legacy of Louise and Bob Slaughter

Rep. Morelle stands with local leaders, family members of Louise and Bob Slaughter to unveil the plaque bearing their name

Bob and Louise Slaughter were genuine forces of nature, and all they accomplished has left an indelible mark on our community and nation. On Monday—Louise’s birthday—I was honored to join the United States Postal Service as well as friends, family, and loved ones to dedicate the Fairport Post Office as the Louise and Bob Slaughter Post Office.

Louise and Bob’s memories will always live on in the communities they uplifted, the enduring ideals they embodied, and the lives they touched. And while there is certainly no replacing or even replicating the impact Louise Slaughter had during her time in Washington—I’m proud to continue down the path she forged and work to make Rochester a better place for everyone who calls it home.

Honoring Our Veterans

Rep. Morelle speaks at a dedication ceremony at Machine Tool Research

Over the weekend, I was humbled to join Machine Tool Research to dedicate a new propulsion shaft lathe in honor of SO1 Patrick Feeks, who was killed in action during Operation Enduring Freedom.

Alongside members of our community and Patrick’s Gold Star family, we honored his heroism and unwavering commitment to serving the nation that he loved—qualities that will be forever remembered by the men and women who utilize this new lathe to continue their service to our country.

Supporting Innovation in Rochester

Here in Rochester, we know our community has long been synonymous with innovation, and I’m proud to build on my work in Washington and bring federal opportunities for growth and prosperity home to our front door.

Last year, I proudly voted to pass the CHIPS and Science Act, which included a new program through the Economic Development Administration called the Regional Technology Innovation Hub (Tech Hub) program. Modeled after my Innovation Centers Acceleration Act, designated Tech Hubs will receive federal funding for research and development of key technologies, including semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, strengthen our domestic supply chain, and reinvigorate regional economies.

This week, I led a bipartisan group of colleagues from New York’s Congressional Delegation in announcing support for our region’s application to receive a Tech Hub designation. My colleagues and I see this as a critical opportunity to build on the strengths of our unique communities, collaborate across specialized industries, and reinvigorate economic growth for years to come.

Continuing the Fight Against Cancer

Rep. Morelle visits the Wilmot Cancer Institute

Rep. Morelle visit Elizabeth Wende Breast Care

Our community is home to world-class healthcare institutions, all of which are doing incredible work in the ongoing fight against cancer. This week, I was glad to visit the University of Rochester’s Wilmot Cancer Institute and Elizabeth Wende Breast Care and receive updates on their important work.

I’m grateful for all they do to support individuals battling cancer and their families, and I’m proud to support their ongoing efforts through my work in Washington.

Assisting Local Families and Small Businesses

I’m proud of the work my office does every day to help members of our community access important resources, navigate various federal agencies, and secure money owed to them.

Since the start of this year, our team has worked to secure and return more than $10 million owed to local businesses and members of our community. Earlier this summer, we helped secure over $2.3 million in pandemic-related employee retention credits that were owed to Roberts Wesleyan University, who received this funding because of their commitment to maintaining paid employees during the height of the COVID crisis. They are just one of the many local businesses we’ve been able to assist, and I’m proud our efforts were successful.

Additionally, one of the issues we’ve assisted with most frequently is helping constituents overcome paperwork and logistical hurdles to secure passports through the U.S. Department of State. Thanks to the work of our team, we’ve helped hundreds of people in our community obtain appointments with their nearest passport office and secure the necessary documentation in time for their trips. These include families embarking on their first international journeys with their children, young people participating in church mission trips, and individuals reconnecting with far-away family members. If your passport is expiring in the next 12-18 months, don’t wait to start the renewal process! Visit the U.S. Department of State website here for more information.

It's a privilege to be able to assist our community and the individuals and organizations who call it home. While some issues are out of our control, we always try our best to secure a favorable outcome or find a resolution to whatever problem constituents may be facing. To read more about our work and learn about how we may be able to assist you or someone you know, check out my webpage here.

Warmest personal regards,

Joe Morelle

New York’s 25th Congressional District