Hudson Valley Veterans, Elected Officials, and Advocates Highlight Rising Costs Facing Veterans and Working Families
Photo Credit: Empire State Voices
TARRYTOWN, NEW YORK — On Wednesday, Empire State Voices joined veterans, local elected officials, and community advocates at the Tarrytown Community Opportunity Center to deliver food, clothing, and other essential items — while speaking out against the rising costs squeezing Hudson Valley families and veterans, from groceries to gas that’s up nearly $1.50 gallon compared to this time last year.
Families in NY-17 are already struggling with rising costs as the Republican Tax Law backed by Rep. Mike Lawler takes effect, cutting SNAP, Medicaid, and other essential services. Meanwhile, tariffs are projected to cost New Yorkers $2,512 in 2026, a 44% jump from last year, driving up prices, hurting small businesses, slowing tourism, and weakening New York’s economy. Concerns over cost of living are only becoming more urgent.“The combination of short-sighted federal cuts to entitlements, a reckless war that has sent gas prices surging, and relentless inflation resulting from poor economic policymaking has put hardworking Hudson Valley families — including veterans — in an untenable situation. Only but the wealthiest among us can afford the current cost of living, an inequity of our making that must be undone,” said Kenny Herzog, Tarrytown Village Trustee.
“Every week, we hear from people who are working hard, doing everything right, and still struggling to keep up with the cost of living,” said Doris Inzar, Area Director, Tarrytown Community Opportunity Center. “Veterans and families across New York need their leaders to focus on affordability and making their lives easier, not harder.”
Veterans at the event shared firsthand accounts of how rising prices are impacting daily life and household budgets.
“I served my country proudly, but right now it feels like every day essentials just keep getting more expensive,” said Brian, a Hudson Valley veteran. “Groceries, gas, utilities — it all adds up quickly. Veterans and seniors living on fixed incomes are feeling the pressure every single day.”
Today’s event was part of Empire State Voices’ ongoing efforts to elevate the voices of Hudson Valley residents impacted by rising costs and policies that make it harder for working families to get ahead.
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
