November 3, 2023

Dear JOHN,

This week, I was back in Washington continuing my work as a member of the House Committee on Appropriations, where House Republicans on the committee continued advancing their extremist agenda. The bills they brought before the House floor contained devastating cuts to critical services our community relies on and would have overwhelming environmental impacts if enacted. I opposed these pieces of legislation both in committee and on the floor, and I remain committed to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to advance a bipartisan funding package to best address the most pressing challenges our families face.

Even in the midst of this dysfunction in Washington, my efforts to continue delivering results for our community remain steadfast. Read more about my work below.

We saw the first flakes of snow fall in our community this week, meaning colder months and higher home heating costs are on the horizon. As we approach the winter months ahead, I’m proud to announce millions of dollars in new funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

This vital program served over 70,000 homes across our community last year, and this additional funding will only allow them to continue their important work and keep our neighbors safe this winter. By reaching more families in Monroe County, we can help ensure no one is forced to choose between paying to heat their homes and affording other necessities like groceries or medication.

Individuals interested in applying for LIHEAP can visit energyhelp.us or call the National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) hotline toll-free at: 1-866-674-6327. Not sure whether you qualify? Households can easily identify if they may be eligible for assistance by using the LIHEAP Eligibility Tool on energyhelp.us.

Read more: Congressman Joe Morelle Announces Home Energy Assistance Program Funding

 Combatting the Invasive Spotted Lanternfly 

This morning, the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Monroe County reported the presence of the Spotted Lanternfly—an invasive species that poses a significant threat to New York’s agricultural economy—right here in our own backyards. This development only further underscores the need for immediate action to address these pests, something I’ve called for throughout my career in Congress.

Earlier this year, I authored and introduced the Spotted Lanternfly Research and Development Act, new legislation to designate the spotted lanternfly as a high-priority research and extension initiative under the National Institute of Food and Agriculture. With the announcement of spotted lanternflies arriving in Monroe County, I’m going to redouble my efforts to see this bipartisan legislation passed into law and signed by the President as soon as possible.

To learn more about what you can do when you see a spotted lanternfly, visit Cornell University’s New York State Integrated Pest Management website, and report sightings in your neighborhood using this form.

October 31st marked the end of Domestic Violence Awareness Month—but our work to empower survivors is a year-round effort. On Tuesday, I was honored to participate at the Willow Domestic Violence Center’s annual Willow Way Summit and stand with them as we reaffirmed our commitment to ensuring survivors always have the support and resources they need. I’m grateful for the transformative work Willow does in our community, and I look forward to our continued partnership.

If you are experiencing abuse in your relationship, know that help is available. Call Willow’s Hotline 24 hours a day at (585) 222-SAFE (7233) or text at (585) 348-SAFE (7233).

 Uplifting Older Americans 

One of the best ways to help ensure our seniors have well-deserved peace of mind in their later years is to make services like Medicare more accessible and easier to understand. Last week, I was joined by County Executive Adam Bello and my friends from Lifespan for a town hall to help do just that.

I've been an ardent supporter of Medicare throughout my career in elected office, and my work has only expanded since going to Washington. I’m proud to be a leading voice in the effort to help increase access to this critical program, bring down healthcare and prescription drug costs, and ensure our seniors always have the support they need.

Events like this bring me back to the core reason why I'm grateful for the opportunity to be in Congress: to provide high-quality service to the community I love. I look forward to hosting more events like this in the future and continuing my work on behalf of our community.

Please feel free to reach out to my Rochester Office at 585-232-4850 or my Washington, D.C. Office at 202-225-3615 if we can be of assistance to you or your family. Visit morelle.house.gov to learn more.

Warmest personal regards,

Joe Morelle

New York’s 25th Congressional District