CONSTITUENTS SPEAK: HEAR WHAT HUDSON VALLEY RESIDENTS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT PRESIDENT TRUMP’S VISIT WITH REP. MIKE LAWLER

LAWLER ROLLS OUT THE RED CARPET FOR TRUMP WHILE HUDSON VALLEY FAMILIES FOOT THE BILL FOR DISASTROUS POLICIES

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NEW YORK — As President Trump visits Rockland County today alongside Rep. Mike Lawler, Hudson Valley residents are speaking out about rising costs, healthcare fears, and policies they say are making life harder for working families across NY-17. 

Hudson Valley residents don’t need more political stunts; they need leaders focused on improving everyday life and lowering costs. Here’s what they have to say:

“We’re trying to plan for my 103-year-old mother’s care, and Mike Lawler lied straight to my face about the cuts he voted for,” said Tina, a resident of Peekskill and retired small business owner. “Constituents like my mother need a representative who’s fighting for them, not billionaire interests. Medicaid saved my mother’s life during the COVID-19 pandemic. Families like mine are scared about these health care cuts. Rep. Lawler needs to fund, not slash, Medicaid. Like many Hudson Valley families, I’m also watching my bills skyrocket. Gas is up $1.50 a gallon compared to this time last year, and my electric rates keep rising. While families like mine fight to keep up with bills and worry about healthcare, Rep. Lawler is backing cuts to Medicaid that could hurt seniors like my mother. It’s adding insult to injury.” 

At recent town halls, constituents like Tina confronted Rep. Lawler over fears about Medicaid cuts impacting her 103-year-old mother’s care and working families across the district. Instead of listening to Tina, Rep. Lawler interrupted and dismissed her concerns. 

“Everything costs more right now, groceries, gas, rent, healthcare,” said Brian, a New York activist. “As a veteran and the father of an active-duty Marine, this is personal to me. Hudson Valley families are struggling while Mike Lawler supports more foreign conflict and takes corporate campaign money instead of focusing on lowering costs and protecting working people.”

“Hudson Valley families don’t need another press rally; we need affordable healthcare,” said Bob, a Rockland County resident and Medicare recipient. “Rep. Lawler voted for the largest cuts to Medicaid in history. Critical hospitals in the Hudson Valley, that I rely on, may close as a result of his vote for the Republican Tax Law. Working people are struggling with rising costs while politicians stand with billionaires and photo ops.”

The visit comes as families across the Hudson Valley struggle with rising grocery, housing, and health care costs, while Lawler voted for a Republican agenda that could slash up to $128 billion from New York’s Medicaid program.

This afternoon, Empire State Voices, alongside Hudson Valley residents and local coalition partners, will be rallying outside the Trump-Lawler event, uplifting the voices of Hudson Valley residents impacted by Rep. Lawler’s destructive policies. 

To learn more about Empire State Voices, contact press@empirestatevoices.org

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About Empire State Voices 

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