From the Office of Rep. Joe Morelle

March 29, 2024

Dear JOHN,

My most important responsibility as a Member of Congress is to turn the ideas and concerns of members of our community into action and results—and this week, I was proud to continue my work to do just that. Read more below.

Expanding Healthcare for Our Veterans

Rep. Morelle stands with local leaders at a press conference on PACT Act benefits

When I voted to pass the Honoring Our PACT Act almost two years ago, my goal was to ensure our veterans and their families have full access to the healthcare benefits they have rightfully earned from their service. Now, thanks to the work of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), we're making this goal a reality—years ahead of schedule.

On March 5, the VA announced all veterans exposed to toxins or other hazards while serving in the military were now eligible to enroll directly in VA healthcare, opening critical healthcare services for thousands of veterans here in our community and millions more across the country. I’m grateful to the VA for their dedicated efforts to make these benefits available ahead of the timeline prescribed by the PACT Act, and I look forward to continuing my work with them to support veterans and military families.

To learn more about this new policy and see if you or a loved one is eligible to receive benefits, visit VA.gov/PACT.

Hearing Directly from Our Neighbors

It was great to be back home in Rochester this week and have the opportunity to visit with some of our local businesses, organizations, and community leaders.

It was a pleasure to visit with the team at Lake Beverage Corporation and get an update on their work as a distributor of beer, wine, and spirits across our region. In Washington, I’m proud to continue my support of family-owned small businesses like Lake Beverage and ensure they have the resources they need to thrive here in Rochester.

Dress for Success is an important resource for so many in our community, providing unemployed and underemployed women with the tools and support they need to achieve financial independence. I was grateful for the opportunity to meet with them and see firsthand the impact they're having right here in our own backyard.

Rep. Morelle celebrates the retirement of Brian Urquhart

Brian Urquhart from Insulators Local 26 and the Rochester Building and Trades Council has been a steadfast partner in our efforts to strengthen worker’s rights, and it was a privilege to join friends in our labor community this week to celebrate his retirement. I presented him with a Certificate of Congressional Recognition honoring his years of dedicated work, and I wish him the best of luck in his next chapter!

Tax Season Reminders

The deadline to file a 2023 federal tax return or request an extension is April 15, 2024, which is just around the corner. While the lead up to the tax deadline can certainly be stressful, there are a number of resources available online and right here in our community to help make the process easier. Here are some helpful tools and tips:

The IRS Free File tool is available here.
New York State was chosen for the IRS’s Direct File pilot program, which allows eligible New York State residents to file their 2023 federal tax return directly with the IRS. To find out more information—and see if you or your family is eligible—visit directfile.irs.gov
Tax season often brings about many scammers and other bad actors, and it is important to stay vigilant. If you believe you or someone you know is the victim of a scam, you can file a claim here.
For folks 50 and older, AARP offers assistance with tax filings. Visit their site here to make an appointment!
Empire Justice’ CASH program is accepting tax preparation appointments for Tax Year 2023. Click here to complete their survey, schedule an appointment, or learn more about their available services.
For additional information on the above deadlines, as well as helpful tips for making the filing process easier, please visit this page on the IRS website.
If you have a more complex tax-related question, the IRS Office on East Avenue is a resource accessible to you. Visit their site here to get more information about in-person tax help.

Happy Easter!

From my family to yours, I wish everyone who celebrates a Happy Easter. May it bring joy, peace, and blessings to all.

Warmest personal regards,

Joe Morelle

New York’s 25th Congressional District