This week I was excited to join Mayor Evans and Cameron Community Ministries to cut the ribbon at the new Cameron Cuts Barber Shop! This shop will provide career opportunities through their apprenticeship program, created with federal dollars I helped secure. Not only does it provide critical job training, it goes even further to support participants with a stipend, transportation services, and complete wraparound care during their education to facilitate long-term employment opportunities and support families across our community.

I also had the pleasure of visiting Miss Julie’s School of Beauty, a nonprofit cosmetology school designed to empower survivors of human trafficking through vocational training. Community programs like these provide transformative opportunities for those in need, and I’m proud to support their important work to build a brighter future for Rochester.

Access to affordable, healthy food options is essential for a person’s overall well-being. But sadly, too many people struggle to meet this basic human need. A recent report by the Department of Health revealed 25% of New Yorkers struggle with food insecurity—a staggering number that we must work to reduce.

To do that, we need to invest in the infrastructure and programs necessary to eliminate food deserts—which means breaking down the barriers that prevent someone from being able to access healthy meals. Today, I was proud to join Senator Gillibrand and our partners in government to call for additional funding for the Healthy Food Financing Initiative, bringing fresh food to the areas that need it most. I look forward to working alongside Senator Gillibrand to continue making these kinds of long-term investments to uplift our community. You can read more here. (link to local article)

If you or someone you know is in need of food assistance, call 211.

Over the past few months, I’ve had numerous meetings and conversations with community leaders and CSX regarding the condemned Gillet Road bridge. The closure of this bridge is not only disrupting the Spencerport School District, but also Ogden residents getting to and from work and first responders traveling to emergencies. Despite our best efforts, CSX remains unresponsive and unwilling to take ownership of the repairs that must be made. It is not unreasonable to expect CSX to take responsibility for a bridge they own and make the necessary repairs to safely restore vehicle traffic. Their failure to do so is unacceptable. This week, I gathered with community leaders including Senator Schumer and County Executive Bello to hold them accountable. Read more here.

We have a duty and a responsibility to ensure technology does not create a shield for those who would perpetrate harm against women. The recent spread of AI-generated explicit images of Taylor Swift is appalling—and sadly, it's happening to women everywhere, every day. It’s shocking that this type of sexual exploitation isn’t already illegal, which is why I’ve been fighting to make it a federal crime with my legislation, the Preventing Deepfakes of Intimate Images Act.

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