Celebrating Our Teachers 

This week marked Teacher Appreciation Week—a time to celebrate the educators who work tirelessly every day to shape our children’s future. As the husband of a retired middle school teacher, I have seen firsthand the incredible role our educators play in serving the needs of our youth.

To me, the best way we can honor the work of teachers is to continue ensuring they have the resources they need to help students succeed. That’s why this week, I proudly announced legislation I authored to help support our educators as they adapt to the challenges of preparing our youth for an ever-advancing workforce. The Developing and Advancing Innovative Learning Models Act would create federal investments in the research and development of Innovative Learning Models (ILMs) and enable schools to adapt to modern educational needs. ILMs expose teachers to bundles of integrated tools, resources, and systems that can be used to maximize student potential.

Teachers are invaluable to our schools, our communities, and our families, and I will never stop working in Congress to invest in the tools they need to meet students where they are and ensure they are ready for their lives beyond the classroom.

Read more: Congressman Joe Morelle Introduces Legislation to Support Teachers and Strengthen Our Education System

 When Rochester Comes to Washington 

Even during weeks in Washington, I’m always advancing our community’s interests by meeting with organizations who are doing important work to support our region and uplift Rochester families.

It is always a pleasure to spend time with my friends from the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester to discuss our work together strengthening resources for those fighting cancer—including my legislation, the Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act. We’re working to grow support for this important bill and provide much-needed access to medical care for individuals with metastatic breast cancer.

Our region is home to so many world-class wineries, and I'm committed to ensuring they have the support necessary to keep thriving. This week, I met with leaders from Finger Lakes wineries to discuss our work to support farmers, growers, and New York State’s agricultural economy.

 Hearing from Experts in the Biden Administration 

As a member of the House Committee on Appropriations, I hear directly from members of the President’s cabinet and other federal agency heads to learn how Congress can better support their work. This week, I had the opportunity to hear directly from the heads of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Department of Commerce (DOC).

Tragically, fentanyl is killing Americans at record-high rates. On Monday, I had a meeting with DEA Administrator Anne Milgram to discuss our work together address the fentanyl crisis and ensure those battling addiction have the support and resources they need.

Later in the week, I had the opportunity to question Administrator Milgram directly about the dangers of fentanyl and the new tactics being employed by drug cartels, particularly on social media. Watch our exchange here.

On Wednesday, I heard from United States Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. We discussed Rochester's recent designation as a Regional Technology Hub and how we can continue supporting innovation and growth in communities like ours. The future is bright for Rochester!

Watch a clip from our exchange here.

 Happy Mother's Day! 

I want to wish an early happy Mother's Day to all the moms, grandmothers, and mother figures in our community and across the country—especially to my own mother, Julie, and my wife, Mary Beth.

On this day and every day, you deserve our gratitude and celebration for all that you do.

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