Hudson Valley Families Kick Off Summer by Speaking Out on Rising Costs
NYACK, NEW YORK — Empire State Voices and Citizen Action will host a free community block party and conversation in Nyack as part of the ongoing Hudson Valley Summer Costs Series, highlighting how rising prices are making it harder for working families to enjoy and afford the summer season.
One year after Rep. Mike Lawler voted for the Republican Tax Law, Hudson Valley families continue to feel the impact of higher costs for groceries, gas, healthcare, and other everyday necessities. As families prepare for the Fourth of July holiday, organizers say rising prices and policies supported by Rep. Lawler are making it harder for many households to afford summer traditions and celebrations.
The event will bring together local residents, advocates, and community members to share their experiences, connect with neighbors, and discuss ways to take action on affordability issues affecting the Hudson Valley.
RSVP HEREWHAT: Hudson Valley Summer Costs Series: Summer Kickoff Party
WHO: Empire State Voices, Citizen Action, Hudson Valley residents, local advocates, and community members
WHEN: Friday, June 26, 2026, at 5:00 PM
WHERE: Memorial Park, Nyack, NY (Rain Date: Wednesday, July 8, 2026)VISUALS:
Families and community members gathering in Memorial Park
Free food and family-friendly games
Residents discussing rising costs and affordability challenges
Community members learning how to get involved and take action
Summer-themed signage highlighting the rising cost of everyday essentials
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
Despite promises to lower costs, gas prices have climbed by roughly $1.20 per gallon over the past year, inflation is rising, and the Republican Tax Law, proudly backed by Congressman Mike Lawler, will begin triggering health care cuts this summer that could leave thousands of New Yorkers without coverage.
“Rep. Lawler turned his back on families like mine and voted for a bill that rips food off our tables. Time and again, he's had the chance to stand up for working New Yorkers, and every time, he chooses billionaires over the people he was elected to represent,” said Melita, a mother of four from North Salem. “The Knicks just brought home a championship because they delivered when it mattered most. Hudson Valley families deserve leaders who can do the same. Instead, we're being asked to pay more, get less, and accept it as the price of Mike Lawler's policies. The Hudson Valley can't afford another season of broken promises.”
Advocates warn that rising costs, tariffs, and upcoming health care cuts will place additional strain on families already struggling to make ends meet. In New York's 17th Congressional District alone, approximately 28,000 residents could lose health coverage as provisions of the Republican Tax Law take effect.
"The Knicks gave New Yorkers something to celebrate," Melita added. "Now it's time for Rep. Mike Lawler to deliver some wins for working families too."
To learn more about Empire State Voices, contact press@empirestatevoices.org
###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
