October 21, 2022

Dear JOHN xxxxxx,

This week, I took action on some of the most pressing issues facing our community: strengthening our local economy, growing our workforce, supporting women’s healthcare, and ensuring seniors have the resources they need to age with dignity. Read more below. 

Every two minutes, a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer. In February of 2016, that statistic became a reality for my daughter, Lauren—and it’s why for me and my family, the fight against breast cancer is personal. 

In recognition of October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month and today as National Mammography Day, I came together with the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester and community partners to share a simple message: we must strengthen resources for those fighting cancer. 

I’m proud to sponsor legislation that would bolster critical screening, prevention, and treatment services to support families impacted by cancer. Our community is blessed to have so many local organizations dedicated to serving those with cancer, and together, we’re working to provide resources that make the difficult journey of a cancer diagnosis a bit easier. 

Read: Congressman Joe Morelle, Community Partners Mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month and National Mammography Day

 Uplifting Seniors in Our Community 

Lifespan does extraordinary work to uplift seniors in our community—allowing them to age with the dignity and independence they deserve. On Wednesday, I was proud to join County Executive Adam Bello to announce an $800,000 federal investment I helped secure that will allow Lifespan to provide an even higher level of care to those who need it most.  

This funding will help strengthen wraparound services and assist older adults in all aspects of healthcare, including transportation to doctors’ appointments, providing technology for telemedicine appointments, and connecting seniors with critical benefits. I’m grateful for Lifespan’s ongoing commitment to providing holistic care to older adults, and I look forward to our continued work together. 

On Thursday, I had the opportunity to join friends at the UAW Local 1097 and discuss how I’m working to support retirees—lowering the cost of healthcare, cutting prescription drug costs, and strengthening Social Security and Medicare. It is always a pleasure to be with my brothers and sisters in labor. 

 Bolstering Our Local Economy and Workforce 

It was great to see so many students at UNICON's Careers in Construction Day! This expo gives young people the opportunity to explore careers in the construction trades that will have real benefits for them, their families, and their community. Expanding our skilled workforce is critical to growing our economy and ensuring America’s competitiveness against countries like China. 

On Thursday, I joined Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Bob Duffy and partners in government to cut the ribbon on Cause + Effect Strategy’s new downtown office. Small businesses are the backbone of our community, and I'm dedicated to ensuring they have the tools and support they need to thrive right here in Rochester. I can't wait to see all of the continued growth and success in store for Cause + Effect! 

I was honored to speak at the 2022 Frontiers in Optics and Laser Science Conference on Wednesday afternoon. Rochester has rich history and deep connection to optics and photonics, and I’m proud to continue leading the push in Congress to support this rapidly growing industry. Optics and photonics are without doubt the future of our economy, our workforce, and our nation’s success—yielding secure and well-paying jobs, creating new opportunities for families, and growing the next generation of high-tech workers. We’re entering a golden age of technology which will demand massive advancement of this field, lighting the way for a very bright future for our community. 

 Reconnecting Our Communities 

The Inner Loop North project is about taking steps to right a long-standing wrong, unite downtown Rochester, and reconnect our communities. I was grateful for the opportunity to participate in a roundtable this week with Senator Gillibrand, White House Senior Advisor and Infrastructure Coordinator Mitch Landrieu, government partners, and our faith community to demonstrate our shared commitment to building a more equitable and inclusive future. 

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