From the Office of Rep. Joe Morelle

August 16, 2024

Dear JOHN,

I spent this week in Rochester meeting with local businesses, fighting to keep our neighborhoods safe, and strengthening resources for our veteran community. Read more below.

Visiting our Local Businesses

This week I stopped by Lumetrics, a local leader in the optics and photonics community paving the way for optical advancements that serve multiple industries. It was great to tour their facility and discuss how we can best support them and ensure they have the resources necessary to keep innovating.

Our thriving optics and photonics industry here in Rochester is critical to the local economy and I’m proud to support them through my work in Congress. In fact, I created the Optics and Photonics Caucus to better advocate for the use of light-based technologies.

I joined the team at Decocoa Chocolate Crafters for a tour of their facility. I had the chance to learn about their large-scale operations creating millions of chocolate products each year. Their growing business uplifts our community providing English classes, training, and employment for refugee workers

It’s great to experience the work our local businesses do firsthand and see how they’re continuing to grow.

Connecting our Neighbors Through Transportation Accessibility

Public safety is one of my top priorities, and that includes the safety of our roadways. For the one in four households that do not have a car, access to safe alternative methods of transportation isn’t just a priority—it’s a necessity.

I was proud to stand alongside Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer this week to express my support for the City of Rochester’s Safe Streets for All grant application. This project identifies four high-injury and high-crash corridors that provide access to essential public services and run through low-income neighborhoods. Funding will advance transformative safety improvements in these corridors, support sustainable transportation, and work to reconnect our communities.

Uplifting the Next Generation of Leaders

Investing in and uplifting the next generation is one of the best ways to ensure a better future for everyone. This week I met with the United Way’s Emerging Leaders Society, and I was inspired by their drive to succeed at a young age. I look forward to seeing all this group goes on to do as they advance in their careers and remain involved in our community.

Uplifting Veteran Caregivers

When our veterans return home, they deserve world-class care—and we can only accomplish that by supporting their dedicated caregivers. This week I announced legislation to strengthen benefits for those who dedicate their time and energy to caring for our courageous veterans.

My legislation will provide benefits to veteran caregivers that match those provided to individuals working in a similar role at the VA, helping to retain skilled caregivers and support them through the end of their careers. This includes employment assistance, retirement planning, and stronger healthcare benefits. Our caregivers' work is invaluable, and this legislation is an important way to demonstrate our gratitude through action.

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.

Until next week,

Joe Morelle

New York’s 25th Congressional District