Keeping Families and Businesses Safe 

Last week, I called on the CEOs of Kia and Hyundai to address the known security flaws in their vehicles that have led to an alarming rise in automobile thefts in Rochester and across the country. My letter urged them to take responsibility for the situation and prioritize security solutions to be made available free-of-charge to consumers.

I’m proud to say they heeded my calls for action. I received a response from both Hyundai and Kia outlining the steps they are taking to address the issue, including making more steering wheel locks available and launching free-of-charge software upgrades to over 5 million vehicles combined. I’m grateful for their prompt response and look forward to continuing to work closely with Kia and Hyundai to ensure their security measures are made available immediately and at no cost to our families.

Read: Statement from Congressman Joe Morelle on Hyundai’s Response to Recent Vehicle Theft in Rochester

 Building Stronger Neighborhoods 

In last year’s appropriations package, I helped secure millions of dollars in federal funding to support projects and organizations all across our community—including  Rochester Energy Efficiency and Weatherization (RENEW),a local collective that provides energy efficiency grants for low-income households.

I was proud to announce $300,000 for RENEW, allowing them to help roughly 70 local families make their homes safer, healthier, and more cost-efficient. Not only will this investment lower costs and strengthen sustainability, it also targets historically marginalized neighborhoods in Rochester, helping to bring our community one step closer to housing equity. I’m deeply grateful for RENEW’s partnership and I look forward to our continued work together.

Read: Congressman Joe Morelle Delivers Funding to Lower Energy Costs for Homeowners

 Celebrating Rochester's History 

Most people recognize February 14 as Valentine’s Day, but it’s also another very special holiday: the birthday of Frederick Douglass—a trailblazer, freedom-fighter, and iconic figure in Rochester’s history. As we celebrated his birthday this week, we honored his legacy and vowed to continue his fight for true equality for every American.

The road to real, meaningful change is long but, as Douglass reminds us, “if there is no struggle, there is no progress.”

Watch: Congressman Morelle Commemorates Frederick Douglass’s Birthday

My wife Mary Beth and I were delighted to join the Susan B. Anthony House and members of our community to pay tribute to another Rochester icon this week: Susan B. Anthony. It was wonderful to see so many people gathered to celebrate what would have been Susan’s 203^rd birthday and I was grateful for the opportunity to present the Susan B. Anthony House with a Certificate of Congressional Recognition honoring their dedicated work in our community.

As we remember and honor Susan B. Anthony, let us recommit to continuing down the path she blazed for us— renewed in our commitment to achieve true equality for all.

 Spreading Love to Our Local Veterans 

Our office celebrated Valentine’s Day by delivering hundreds of homemade valentines to the Veterans Outreach Center to be shared with local veterans.

Thank you to everyone who sent in cards from far and wide and helped show our appreciation for the many brave veterans in our community!

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