Bipartisan Congressional Family Business Caucus

This week, I was named Co-Chair of the bipartisan Congressional Family Business Caucus alongside Congressman Lou Correa (CA-46). Family-owned businesses are the backbone of communities across our country and across Upstate New York, creating jobs, supporting local economies, and carrying on traditions that span generations. As someone who helped run my family’s small business, I understand the challenges these businesses face, including rising costs, workforce pressures, and complex regulations. Through this caucus, we will work to ensure that family-owned businesses have a strong voice in Washington and that Congress advances policies that support entrepreneurship, economic growth, and opportunity for the more than 32 million family businesses that employ over 83 million Americans. The caucus will hold its first meeting of the year on March 17, where members, business leaders, and policy experts will discuss strategies to help family-owned businesses grow, compete, and continue supporting American workers.

Introducing the Healthcare is Human Act

I recently introduced the Healthcare is Human Act of 2026 alongside Congressman Steven Horsford to help address the growing shortage of health care providers in rural and underserved communities. Across Upstate New York, too many families struggle to access timely medical care because there simply are not enough doctors, nurses, and medical professionals serving these areas. This legislation would create a tax credit for licensed health care providers who deliver services in federally designated health professional shortage areas and Department of Veterans Affairs facilities, helping encourage more providers to serve where care is needed most. By strengthening the health care workforce and supporting those who serve our communities and our veterans, this bill aims to improve access to care and ensure families across rural America are not left behind.

As your representative in Congress, my top priority is championing legislative initiatives that benefit you and your families. Each week, I review numerous bills and letters, engaging in thorough discussions with members of our community to determine which actions to support and address your needs. Below are a few bills I recently cosponsored.

H.R. 503, the Qualified Immunity Act of 2025: This bill would codify the qualified immunity doctrine for law enforcement officers, shielding them from personal liability in civil lawsuits when acting within the scope of their official duties and in accordance with clearly established law. As assaults on police officers continue to increase and the radical Left's ‘Defund and Demoralize the Police’ movement gains traction, some local and state-level governments are cutting police budgets and working to strip away qualified immunity. H.R. 503 safeguards qualified immunity for these courageous police officers who risk their lives to serve our community.

H.R. 35, the Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act: This bill would amend federal immigration law to require the detention of noncitizens who commit offenses that result in the assault, serious injury, or death of a law enforcement officer. Law enforcement officers face significant risks while protecting public safety and enforcing the law. This legislation ensures that noncitizens who commit crimes against law enforcement officers are held accountable. 

H.R. 909, the Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act of 2025: This bill would modify the allocation of funds from the Crime Victims Fund to provide more stable and predictable funding for victim assistance and compensation programs. Specifically, it would allow certain monetary penalties collected through deferred prosecution and non-prosecution agreements to be deposited into the Crime Victims Fund. The Crime Victims Fund supports victim programs, including counseling, legal assistance, and emergency support. This legislation helps strengthen resources available to victims by ensuring this program remains funded to assist individuals and families affected by crime.

Genesee County Chamber Awards

This week, our team attended the 54th Annual Genesee County Chamber of Commerce Awards at Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel, a wonderful event celebrating the achievements of businesses and community leaders in Genesee County. This year's honorees included The Arc GLOW as Business of the Year, Reyncrest Farm as Agricultural Business of the Year, The Local Barbershop as New Business of the Year, Sue Underwood as Geneseean of the Year, and Amanda Gallo & The Genesee County Agriculture Society for Special Service Recognition. Events like this highlight the dedication, entrepreneurship, and community spirit that make Genesee County such a great place to live and work. I want to congratulate all of the award recipients and thank the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce for continuing to recognize the businesses and individuals who strengthen our local economy and serve our communities.

East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company

Our team recently joined the annual East Shelby Volunteer Fire Company event to recognize the incredible dedication of the men and women who serve their community. This event celebrated several outstanding volunteers, including Mike Zelazny and Marcia Walter of the Ladies Auxiliary for 50 years of service, and David Green for 65 years of service to the department. The Ladies Auxiliary also presented a generous $15,000 donation to support the fire company’s mission. With more than 150 people in attendance and many young volunteers receiving awards, the event displayed strong community spirit and tradition of service that keep our volunteer fire departments going. We are grateful to all of the firefighters, auxiliary members, and families who dedicate their time and energy to keeping their neighbors safe.

Niagara USA 250 Committee Kickoff

Last week, our office attended the Niagara USA 250 Kickoff Dinner hosted by the Niagara USA 250 Committee at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute. The event marked the beginning of Niagara County’s participation in the national celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, an important milestone that will highlight the history and contributions of communities across our region. Organizers shared plans for a year of commemorative events, including a special art exposition recognizing each municipality in Niagara County. The evening was made even more special by the talented culinary students at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute, who prepared and served the dinner.

Niagara County's 8th Annual Agribusiness Outreach Forum

Our office attended the 8th Annual Niagara County Agribusiness Outreach Forum at the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Niagara County Training Center in Lockport. The forum brought together regional farmers, agribusiness leaders, economic development partners, and service providers to discuss important issues impacting agriculture across our region. Presentations focused on agricultural policy priorities, farm health and safety, regenerative farming practices, and the growing role of new technologies, including artificial intelligence, in modern farm operations. The event also featured vendor exhibits, networking opportunities, and demonstrations of programs such as a mobile health unit and the Veggie Van initiative supporting food access. Agriculture is a cornerstone of Upstate New York’s economy, and it is encouraging that so many partners are working together to support our farmers and strengthen our local food systems.

Congressional Art Competition is Now Open

This year’s Congressional Art Competition is now open to high school students across NY-24. This nationwide contest celebrates the incredible creativity of young artists, and the winning artwork from our district will be displayed for one year in the United States Capitol alongside pieces from across the country. Students may submit original paintings, drawings, photography, mixed media, computer-generated art, and more, provided the work follows the official guidelines. All entries must be original and meet size requirements. Submissions must be received by my district offices no later than Friday, April 17, 2026, and include the required release form. I encourage our talented students to participate and showcase the artistic excellence of our community.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CLICK HERE

Need Help with a Federal Agency? Call us today.

If you or someone you know ever needs assistance with a federal agency, we are just a phone call away and are ready to help you! Please contact my Canandaigua Office at 585-869-2060, my Oswego Office at 315-236-7088, or my Lockport Office at 716-514-5130. I am honored to have the opportunity to represent you.

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If you have updates regarding events in the community or other news to share from across New York's 24th District, please visit the "Contact Me" page on my website to share it with me. My team will try to include as many of your updates from around #NY24 as we can each week.