March 8, 2024  

Dear JOHN,  

Yesterday evening, I was honored to be in the House Chamber to receive President Biden’s State of the Union Address. We are at a critical juncture for the future of our nation, and in his remarks, President Biden outlined an agenda that rises to this moment and advances our shared democratic values. 

My goal has always been to seek practical solutions to the problems our families face. That’s why my colleagues and I have dedicated ourselves to reducing prescription drug costs, improving access to affordable high-quality healthcare, and creating job opportunities. It is also the reason we are committed to safeguarding the fundamental freedoms every American is entitled to, from reproductive rights to voting rights to the right to remain safe from gun violence. 

As we look towards the future, I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues in a bipartisan manner to continue delivering for the people of Rochester and every hardworking American. You can read my full statement on the President’s State of the Union Address here and read more about my week below. 

For each State of the Union Address, I have the privilege of bringing a guest, and this year, I was honored to highlight a dedicated partner in our efforts to advance Rochester’s position as a global leader in innovative technologies: Dr. Alexis Vogt, Endowed Chair & Professor of Optics at Monroe Community College. 

Dr. Vogt has been a leader in the high-tech optics field for years, and her work has helped propel our region to the forefront of the innovation economy—including helping to secure our recent designation as a Regional Technology Hub. I was proud to have her as my guest to the State of the Union Address and showcase the vital work she is doing to invest in the future of our workforce and our economy. 

Read more about Dr. Vogt, her efforts, and her many contributions to the field of optics in Rochester: Congressman Joe Morelle Names Monroe Community College Professor Alexis Vogt as Guest to State of the Union 

 Collaborating with Local Partners 

This week, I had the opportunity to meet with organizations who are doing important work to support our community. Here are a few of the groups I met with:

I joined a bipartisan group of colleagues for an important discussion about the Great Lakes and our work to strengthen shoreline communities like Rochester. From protecting against flooding to supporting tourism, I'm committed to helping our lakeside communities flourish. 

The Urban League of Rochester continues to invest in communities of color by supporting workforce development, community safety, voting rights and more—driving transformational changes in our neighborhoods. 

It was a privilege to host them in Washington, and I look forward to our continued work together. 

Rochester is home to a vibrant deaf and hard-of-hearing community, and we're truly fortunate to have world-class resources like the Rochester School for the Deaf available to support them. 

I’m proud to stand with them and advocate for the equity, accessibility, and opportunity our deaf and hard-of-hearing neighbors deserve. 

I met with members from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists to discuss their work to ensure everyone has access to high-quality, equitable maternity care. Together, we’re working to reduce healthcare disparities and support pregnant women and families. 

This week, my House colleagues and I voted to pass legislation containing six of the twelve appropriations bills Congress must enact every fiscal year. This legislation is a critical step towards fully funding the federal government and makes important strides to improve community safety, uplift families, strengthen our economy, bolster investments in innovation, and more. In addition, included in this bill is $11.5 million in funding I helped secure as a part of the Community Project Funding process for 15 programs and organization in Monroe County. 

As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I’m proud to have helped craft this legislation which not only delivers for our communities but prevents the enactment of harmful policies proposed by House Republicans, including measures to restrict women’s reproductive freedoms and reduce law enforcement’s ability to combat gun violence. 

Over the coming weeks, I’m looking forward to continuing my work with Leader Jeffries and my colleagues on the House Appropriations Committee to complete the process of fully funding our federal government. I will continue to share updates as these proceedings continue. 

Read more about the Appropriations Package: Congressman Joe Morelle Votes to Enact Funding Package to Invest in Our Community, Safeguard Critical Programs 

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