I was proud to join County Executive Bello to announce $16 million in FEMA funds for backup generators for Monroe County's wastewater treatment facility. We have all witnessed the severe weather events that battered our region this summer. From heavy rain and wind to nearby destruction from tornadoes, these events put the systems we rely on every day at risk—and as we face the effects of the climate crisis, we can only expect them to get worse.

These generators will allow us to continue processing wastewater during a power outage, protecting our environment and our neighborhoods.

The Rochester Broadway Theatre League is working hard on renovations that will modernize the beautiful and historic Rochester Auditorium Theater. These renovations will expand their amenities and create a new gathering place for our community.

I was grateful to join them for a tour this week to see their exciting work in action and hear more about the future of the building.

The Strong is one of the crown jewels of our community, offering tourists and local families alike a one-of-a-kind experience. This week we announced federal funding that will allow the Strong to further expand their exhibits and build on their legacy of learning, creativity, and discovery through play.

I’m grateful to The Strong for their ongoing commitment to our families and children of all ages, and I look forward to their continued growth for decades to come.

Read More: Congressman Joe Morelle Announces New Federal Funding For the Strong National Museum of Play

It was an honor to join Rochester’s Ukrainian community on Saturday for the Ukrainian Independence Day celebration. Together we marked not just the anniversary of the founding of Ukraine, but the celebration of a people who are determined to live in freedom, dignity, and peace.

It is more important now than ever to uplift Ukrainian communities around the world, which is why I was grateful to stand alongside such a vibrant and connected Ukrainian community here in Rochester.

As the son and husband of lifelong union members, I recognize how crucial organized labor is for providing safety and security to working families. The labor movement created the middle class and continues to be the foundation of our economy.

As we head into Labor Day weekend, we must remember the significance of organized labor and continue to advocate for the rights and protections that workers everywhere deserve. In Congress, I am proud to champion our unions, and I remain committed to defending the right to organize, improving working conditions, and ensuring fair wages for all.

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