Supporting Survivors of Domestic Violence 

Yesterday, I was proud to announce I have secured $325,000 in federal funding for Willow Domestic Violence Center to help break the cycle of abuse and increase support for survivors of domestic violence. This new funding will strengthen Willow’s trauma-informed care resources, provide direct client support, and expand their triage hotline—allowing them to reach more survivors and their families to provide them with the care and assistance they deserve.

I’m grateful for the transformative work Willow does in our community, and I look forward to our continued partnership as we work to support and empower survivors.

If you are experiencing abuse in your relationship, know that help is available. Call or text Willow’s Hotline 24 hours a day at (585) 222-SAFE (7233).

 Cracking Down on Gun Trafficking 

As a community and a nation, we are perpetually grieving the loss of innocent lives to gun violence—it's time for decisive action to get illegal guns off our streets and keep families safe. I have long advocated for significant changes to reduce gun violence, including: banning assault weapons, enacting universal background checks on all gun sales, limiting high capacity magazines, and more. This week, after continued discussions with law enforcement, government partners, and community stakeholders, I was proud to introduce legislation I authored to directly reduce gun theft, gun trafficking, and crime in our community.

I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this critical, common-sense legislation, and I look forward to passing it into law.

Read: Congressman Joe Morelle Introduces Legislation to Combat Gun Trafficking and Reduce Gun Violence

 Uplifting Our Next Generation of Leaders 

I have a deep appreciation for President John F. Kennedy, who once said: “One person can make a difference, and everyone should try.” That sentiment has always stuck with me and guided my work, particularly in public service.

This week, I got to join a group of students at Nazareth’s Global Citizenship Conference where we reflected on the importance of these words. It was a privilege to share some of the lessons I have learned with these young leaders and help encourage them on the path to becoming active, engaged citizens. I know our future is in good hands, and I can’t wait to see what these young people go on to accomplish.

 Helping Local Families 

I’m proud of the work my office does every day to help members of our community navigate federal agencies, access important resources, or secure money owed to them. Earlier this year, a constituent came to us concerned their Social Security Disability Insurance repayment check had been “lost in the mail” for nearly two months, preventing them from receiving the benefits they relied on for income. Thanks to the work of my team, we were able to step in, locate the lost check, and return the payments this constituent was rightfully owed.

And just this week, we helped a local woman overcome an unexpected paperwork issue and secure her passport in time to travel to the UK to be bridesmaid in her sister's wedding!

To read more about my team’s work and learn more about how we may be able to assist you or someone you know, check out my webpage here.

 Happy St. Patrick's Day 

Sending my best wishes to everyone in our community who is celebrating St. Patrick’s Day this weekend. Sláinte!

Warmest personal regards,  

Joe Morelle   

New York’s 25th Congressional District