From the Office of Rep. Joe Morelle

August 25, 2023

Dear JOHN,

One of my most important responsibilities as an elected official is assisting our community’s businesses, organizations, and stakeholders—and the best way to truly understand their needs and concerns is to hear from them directly! This week, I met with organizations across our community and heard their concerns, ideas, and questions. I look forward to taking all of them back with me to Washington and turning them into action. Read more about my week below.

Expanding Affordable Housing

Rep. Morelle stands with Deputy Secretary Todman in front of Rochester media

A safe and stable place to call home is a fundamental human need, but sadly, the ongoing shortage of affordable housing is leaving too many families stranded. Using funds I helped secure in Washington, a new $27 million housing project in our community was announced last week, and while this is certainly an important step in the right direction, there’s still work to be done. To fully combat this crisis and support our community, I’ve called for immediate assistance from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.

On Thursday, I had the pleasure of welcoming United States Deputy Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Adrianne Todman to our community. Together, we met with community leaders and toured the Edna Craven Estates—a transformative housing development that takes a wholistic approach to solving this ongoing crisis. I’m grateful to Deputy Secretary Todman for her valuable insight and her commitment to making safe, affordable homes a reality for every family in our community. I look forward to our continued work together.

To learn more about my work to expand affordable housing in our community, read more here: Congressman Joe Morelle Welcomes Deputy Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to Rochester

Recognizing Our Community's Vietnam Veterans

Rep Morelle presents a certificate to a local Vietnam Veteran

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 Spencerport American Legion with honorary lapel pins and Certificates of Congressional Recognition on Wednesday. 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.

My office has hosted a number of Pinning Ceremonies this year, and we look forward to holding more events in the future. 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.

Combatting the Climate Crisis in Rochester

Here in our community, we are surrounded by innovative businesses and organizations that are on the frontlines of fighting the effects of the climate crisis. This week, I was fortunate to visit a few of them and get a better understanding of how Rochester is leading the way to our green, eco-friendly future.

Duane Beckett and the entire team at Sunnking are doing incredible work to reduce e-waste in our community—so much so that their work is being prominently featured on the national stage! Earlier this year, Sunnking sent hundreds of locally-recycled cell phones to be displayed in the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History’s "Cellphone: Unseen Connections" exhibit.

It was great to spend time at their facility this week and discuss the importance of bolstering our circular economy and creating a Right to Repair for every consumer. Thank you for letting me stop by!

Paradigm of NY’s unique pollution control devices are at the forefront of emissions-reduction technology, helping make vehicles more eco-friendly. The work of organizations like Paradigm represents the forward-thinking approach our country needs to address the climate crisis, and I’m grateful for all they’re doing to build a more sustainable future for our community.

An Important Reminder!

Is your passport expiring in the next 12-18 months? Processing times are longer than usual, so don't wait—reach out to the State Department NOW to begin the renewal process. Visit their website here for more information.

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