Hudson Valley Seniors Sound the Alarm on Rep. Lawler’s Support for Legislation that Raises Costs and Threatens Funding for Seniors
On the 91st Anniversary of Social Security, Empire State Voices hosts “Protect Seniors’ Pockets” night to call out Congressman Lawler’s record of raising costs and gutting funding for seniors
HUDSON VALLEY, NEW YORK — Tonight, Empire State Voices brought together dozens of Hudson Valley seniors, elected officials, faith leaders and community members to sound the alarm over Congressman Mike Lawler’s record of supporting legislation that is raising costs and gutting funding for seniors. The “Protect Seniors’ Pockets” night featured food, games, remarks from community leaders, and conversations with local seniors about the importance of Social Security.
This event is part of the Unrig Our Economy Republican Price Tag Campaign, highlighting the Senate Joint Economic Committee’s recently released report confirming that the average New York Household is spending $4,500+ more under Mike Lawler. To honor the anniversary and recognize the burden of increased costs under Donald Trump and congressional Republicans, Empire State Voices and Unrig Our Economy also donated over $700 in non-perishable food to NY-17 seniors.
In the 91 years since Social Security became law, it has become a lifeline for nearly 3.8 million New Yorkers who receive these benefits. But despite the overwhelming success and popularity of the universal program, Social Security is currently under threat by Congressional Republicans who would see its funding cut or administration privatized—endangering the benefits of countless New York seniors.
In addition to threatening these lifesaving programs, Lawler has also repeatedly backed policies that are driving up costs, from higher grocery bills to rising gas prices, and making it harder for New York’s seniors to afford everyday essentials.
“I represent the 95th Assembly District, which includes Peekskill. We’re doing everything we can at the state level to help where the federal government has failed us and continues to fail us. The federal government is rolling back protections for food, Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, and so much more,” said Assemblywoman Dana Levenberg. “So many people are losing their healthcare, and we at the state level are doing what we can to backfill these cuts, to make sure people have healthcare instead of continuing to strip it away.”
“Events like this are essential to keeping seniors informed about the very real impacts the Trump administration’s policies are having on everyday life, as well as the threats they pose to lifesaving programs like Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, and SNAP. Thank you to Empire State Voices and the CWA for organizing this important event and creating an opportunity to connect with, inform, and engage community members,” said Senator Peter Harckham.
“Ever since I retired, Social Security has been a lifeline that lets me pay my rent, buy groceries, and fill my prescriptions. Congressman Lawler and his Republican allies have voted time and again to raise the cost of everyday essentials, and if they gut Social Security, I simply won’t be able to afford to go on,” said Nancy from Peekskill. “I bought into this system my whole life, and now I deserve to retire with dignity.”
“For Mike Lawler to care more about giving tax breaks to billionaires than making sure his neighbors can afford healthcare, food, and gas – that is a moral failure,” said Reverend Baker from Tarrytown. “Hudson Valley seniors have earned their benefits through a lifetime of hard work, and their means to live should not be collateral in Lawler’s political games. He must commit to lowering costs for Seniors, and protecting their Social Security in Congress.”
Empire State Voices is calling on Congressman Lawler to take meaningful action to protect Hudson Valley seniors' Social Security benefits and support policies that strengthen the program’s long-term finances rather than undermine them.
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
