From the Desk of Rep. Joe Morelle

May 30, 2025

Dear JOHN,

I was grateful to be back in Rochester this week, meeting with local leaders and hearing from the organizations that keep our region running.

Last week, House Republicans pushed through a budget bill that would hurt Rochester’s families and America’s future. I joined SiriusXM P.O.T.U.S. to discuss just how dangerous this is for our community.

While we continue to face unprecedented challenges, it was inspiring to witness the incredible strength of our community as we rise to meet them. Read more about my week below:

How We're Fighting Back

In March, President Trump signed an Executive Order that called for the elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The proposed cuts to the core functions of the IMLS pose a significant threat to the survival of our nation’s cultural and educational institutions and would be felt in every community across the country.

This week, I convened a group of local museums that are directly affected by these cuts to discuss how we can support them as we fight back.

When this Executive Order was first signed, I joined fifteen members of New York’s delegation to send a letter to President Trump expressing strong opposition to these cuts. IMLS support is crucial for sustaining community access to information and fostering innovation, and I won’t stop fighting to protect the program and its investments in our community.

Read the full letter here.

Touring a National Landmark

I recently had the chance to tour the Capitol dome—a breathtaking symbol of our democracy. Standing tall over Washington, D.C., the Capitol dome has witnessed more than 150 years of American history. Completed during the Civil War, the dome rose even as our nation fought to hold itself together, and each detail in its halls tells the story of a nation striving toward a more perfect union.

Today, as our nation faces unprecedented challenges, its history and architecture remind us of what we’re fighting to protect: the pillars of our democracy and future of our republic.

Investing in the Next Generation

Supporting our youth and their families is one of the most important investments we can make in the future of our community and our country. I met with leaders in the child care and education space across Rochester this week.

Rochester Childfirst visit with Rep. Morelle reading to children in a classroom

Rochester Childfirst Network is committed to advancing early education and child care. It was great to sit down with them and discuss their critical work and how we can ensure they have every resource they need to succeed.

Rep. Morelle visits a classroom of Iroquois Middle School students

I stopped by Iroquois Middle School in Irondequoit to meet with a fourth-grade class participating in the Stand-Up Project. This is an assignment where students learn how to use their voice to fight for change in our community. It was inspiring to hear about the causes these students are advocating for—and extra special because I got to see my grandson Jonas, too!

I rounded out the week with a meeting with EDceptional, led by Sebrone Johnson. We discussed their work to support Rochester-area charter schools and enhance education opportunities for all of Rochester’s children.

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. Due to ongoing actions by the Trump Administration affecting federal agencies, case processing may be slightly delayed. We appreciate your patience and remain committed to resolving your cases promptly.

Until next week,

Joe Morelle

New York’s 25th Congressional District