From the Office of Rep. Joe Morelle

August 19, 2022

Dear JOHN xxxxxx,

This week I had the opportunity to partner with vital community organizations and highlight some of the topics I’m most passionate about: lowering costs for families, ensuring the safety of our children, and strengthening our regional economy and global competitiveness against countries like China. Read more about my work below:

Getting Kids to School Safely

Rep. Morelle speaks at a press conference on the Get Our Kids to School Act

With the back-to-school season quickly approaching, this is a critical time to mitigate the school bus driver shortage that is impacting local districts in our community and across the country. This week I visited Council Rock Primary School in Brighton where I announced my new legislation, the Get Our Kids to School Act, to ensure our community has the resources it needs to safely transport children to and from school. This legislation will allow more people to apply for bus driver positions while maintaining existing essential safety standards. It will ease the burden on our school districts, provide parents with much-needed peace of mind, and lay the groundwork for a successful school year for everyone.

Congressman Joe Morelle Takes Action to Address School Bus Driver Shortage

Expanding Internet Access

Rep. Morelle speaks at podium, behind him is County Executive Bello

In today’s world, technology is no longer a luxury—it is a necessity. Sadly, too many families in our community still do not have access to reliable, affordable high-speed internet, creating a digital divide that disproportionately affects underserved neighborhoods.

This week, I partnered with County Executive Adam Bello to discuss the resources available to help strengthen internet access and lower costs for families. One of these resources is the federal Affordable Connectivity Program, which I helped to enact in Congress. This program is already saving 44,000 Monroe County residents $1.3 million on their internet bills, and qualifying for this program is now easier than ever before. If you or someone you know did not previously qualify for assistance through this program, I strongly encourage you to check again and get enrolled by visiting fcc.gov/acp. If you need help with your application, assistance is available through the Monroe County Library System and Rochester Public Library.

Enhancing Global Competitiveness and Strengthening Our Local Economy

Rep. Morelle helps break ground on the LLE Expansion

It was great to be back at the University of Rochester this week to celebrate the exciting expansion of the Laboratory for Laser Energetics! This investment will help to cement the University of Rochester as a global leader in technological advancement, support local job growth in the high-tech fields of tomorrow, strengthen our regional economy, and enhance our competitiveness against countries like China. Congratulations to the entire team at the Laser Lab on this exciting step forward, and I look forward to supporting your growth and success for years to come.

Uplifting Our Community

Rep. Morelle stands with community leaders at AME Zion

This weekend, I had the pleasure of spending time with a number of local neighborhood organizations including the congregation at AME Zion Church—an historic Rochester institution that is an iconic part of the fabric of our community. Their summer gathering featured free health screenings as well as other educational services for families of all ages. I am deeply grateful for their dedicated work to uplift families and build a brighter future for everyone who calls Rochester home.

If you have any questions about my work in Congress, please visit morelle.house.gov. Please know we are always here to help you and your family.

Warmest personal regards,

Joe Morelle
New York’s 25th Congressional District