Joe Morelle

Congressman, US House of Representatives

Years in current role: 4

What was your biggest success in 2021?

I’m incredibly proud of the work my colleagues in Congress and I have done to support businesses and working families, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, I helped establish funding programs like the Paycheck Protection Program and Restaurant Revitalization Fund that were critical to keeping restaurants and small businesses afloat. I’m also proud to have made historic investments in local infrastructure that will create jobs and strengthen our economy at a time when it’s needed most. More work needs to be done, however, and I will continue fighting for additional investments in our business community.

What are your expectations for 2022?

This year, we need to continue our work to revitalize our economy and ensure a strong recovery from the pandemic. I recently co-sponsored and helped pass the America COMPETES Act, which included provisions I advocated for to invest in regional innovation and entrepreneurship — an area in which Rochester is poised for success given our robust, high-tech business community. I look forward to growing these efforts and cementing our place as a global leader in innovation.

What is your biggest takeaway from dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic?

The pandemic exposed real inequities within our society that we must contend with, but in many ways, it also put the very best of humanity on display. Over the past two years, I have been continually impressed by the dedication and generosity of our community. From neighbors making masks for essential workers to rallying to support small businesses to dutifully wearing masks to protect our loved ones, one of my biggest takeaways is the way we came together to uplift one another. For that, I’m deeply grateful.

This profile is part of Rochester Business Journal's Power 100 list for 2022. Information used in this profile was sourced from the honoree. View the full list at rbj.net.