As Hispanic Heritage Month Closes, Empire State Voices Calls Out Republican Tax Law for Hurting Latino Families in the Hudson Valley

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — As Hispanic Heritage Month comes to a close, Empire State Voices is sounding the alarm on how federal funding cuts in the Republican Tax Law are disproportionately hurting Latino families, including putting millions of Latino families' access to healthcare at risk, making everyday grocery purchases impossible, and raising utility costs at alarming rates.     

The Republican Tax Law made significant cuts to SNAP, Medicaid, and other programs that families across NY-17 rely on, and the consequences are already becoming apparent. Latino New Yorkers make up 34%, about 64,000, of those who have lost SNAP benefits from April 2025 to April 2026, making putting food on the table feel further out of reach. And recent reporting confirms that over 4 million Latino Americans stand to lose their access to healthcare coverage because of healthcare cuts. Congressman Mike Lawler repeatedly supported the Republican Tax Law.

"As the daughter of an immigrant from El Salvador, Hispanic Heritage Month is personal to me. I grew up seeing firsthand the tireless work, sacrifice, and deep love for family and community that defines the immigrant story, and it fills me with immense pride,” said Tarrytown Trustee Effie Phillips-Staley. “Honoring Hispanic Heritage requires more than annual celebrations. It demands an unyielding commitment to the ongoing work of democracy, justice, and the promise that every person in our nation deserves the opportunity to live their best lives. Let’s ensure that our government honors the dignity and full richness of the communities we call home."

“Our Hispanic and Latino neighbors are essential to sustaining our local democracy. Through their active participation in community organizations and civic life, they strengthen the voices of our communities,” said Jhefres Reyes, Westchester Community Organizer for Make the Road New York. “Every day, through their hard work and dedication, they support our local economy, contribute to our collective prosperity, and enrich the Hudson Valley with their cultural diversity. Their contributions remind us that our strength as a community lies in our diversity, our solidarity, and our shared commitment to building a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”

“Latino families in the Hudson Valley play a critical role in our small businesses, hospitals and schools, shaping our community’s rich culture and strengthening our economy,” said Zachary Tirgan, Empire State Voices Regional Organizing Director. “We’re proud to work with partners throughout the community, and will continue working to make sure ALL New Yorkers' voices are heard, especially those who are being disproportionately hurt by the policies of our leaders in Washington.” 

As part of Empire State Voices ongoing efforts to advocate for Hudson Valley’s Latino families, the organization held a series of events throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, including delivering meal kits and food donations in Pawling, holding forums to provide information on federal funding cuts to Medicaid and healthcare programs, and delivering backpacks and school supplies in Tarrytown. 

New Yorkers impacted by federal funding cuts are available for comment in English and Spanish. Interested press should contact press@empirestatevoices.org. 

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Empire State Voices is a multi-year campaign dedicated to amplifying the voices of everyday working New Yorkers. We are fighting for economic policies that make life more affordable for constituents and holding members of Congress across the state accountable when they fail to do the same. To learn more about Empire State Voices, contact press@empirestatevoices.org