Rochester, NY — Monroe County Legislator Rachel Barnhart today released newly obtained County documents showing that Airbnb and its lobbyists — including Congressman Joe Morelle’s son, Nicholas Morelle — were directly involved in crafting the short-term rental (STR) “opt-out” legislation that the Legislature will vote on tonight. Only three hours before the vote, the Bello… Continue Reading Documents Show Airbnb and Congressman Morelle’s Son Played a Direct Role in Crafting Monroe County’s STR Opt-Out Legislation

Monroe County Legislator Rachel Barnhart is raising serious concerns after reviewing the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding application for The Northfield, a senior housing facility in Fairport where residents were recently evicted. “The application explicitly states that this would be an ‘occupied rehabilitation,’ meaning tenants were supposed to remain in place during the renovation,”… Continue Reading Barnhart: ARPA Application Confirms Northfield Residents Were Supposed to Stay During Renovation

I am deeply concerned by the ongoing situation at the Hudson Ridge and Danforth Towers, where residents in the Enriched Housing Program operated by Family Services of Rochester were found to be living in conditions so poor that the New York State Department of Health (DOH) ordered the program shut down immediately. These residents are… Continue Reading Statement from Legislator Rachel Barnhart about Failure of Enriched Housing Program at Hudson Ridge

Monroe County Legislator Rachel Barnhart has released a new report, Access Denied: Monroe County’s Benefits System, showing that the County’s public assistance programs are riddled with barriers that delay, deny, or cut off essential support to residents. Drawing on state data, budget documents, and open records requests, the report details persistent and troubling trends—including excessive… Continue Reading New Report Reveals Systemic Barriers in Monroe County’s Public Assistance System

Free phone calls for incarcerated people at the Monroe County Jail have officially ended following a 26–3 vote by the County Legislature to approve a new one-year contract with jail communications vendor Securus Technologies. Legislator Rachel Barnhart, who voted against the measure, said the move rolls back a major reform passed in 2021—and puts financial… Continue Reading Free Jail Calls End in Monroe County After Legislature Approves New Contract

In a major victory for democracy and free speech, a New York State appeals court today unanimously ruled in favor of Monroe County Legislator Rachel Barnhart, rejecting County Executive Adam Bello’s attempt to narrowly redefine the role of a legislator. Read decision. Barnhart was forced to sue Monroe County after Bello refused to provide a… Continue Reading Appeals Court Delivers Unanimous Victory to Legislator Barnhart