Hudson Valley Families Gather in Nyack to Speak Out on Rising Costs and Demand Relief
Phot by Empire State Voices
NYACK, NEW YORK — More than 40 Hudson Valley residents gathered Friday evening at Memorial Park for Empire State Voices and Citizen Action's Summer Kickoff Party, calling attention to the rising costs families continue to face one year after Congressman Mike Lawler voted for the Republican Tax Law. The event was part of the Hudson Valley Summer Costs Series, which highlights how policies backed by Lawler and Congressional Republicans have left working families paying more for groceries, gas, healthcare, and other everyday necessities.
Attendees shared personal stories about the growing strain on household budgets and the widening gap between the promises made in Washington and the reality families across the Hudson Valley face. While Lawler and Republicans pledged to lower costs, residents say they are paying more every time they fill up their gas tank, buy groceries, or sit down to pay their monthly bills.
"My wife and I rely on the Essential Plan for our health coverage, and that coverage is now at risk because Rep. Lawler voted for the Republican Tax Law. Hudson Valley families can't afford politicians who promise to protect health care and then vote to undermine it. Rep. Lawler should reverse these harmful health care cuts and protect the Medicaid and Essential Plan coverage that families like mine depend on," said Ben, a Suffern resident and NY-17 constituent.
"Mike Lawler’s voting record has hurt the people in my community, and we have to speak up," said Medjine, a resident of Spring Valley. "If we don’t hold him accountable, who will take care of us? Medicaid and Medicare are important for now, the future, and forever. If Rep. Lawler doesn’t do right by us, then our future is imperiled. Rep. Mike Lawler, do your job and fight for New Yorkers!"
A recent analysis found that the tariffs Lawler supports are projected to cost New Yorkers $2,512 in 2026 — a 44% jump from last year. Families throughout the Hudson Valley continue to face higher costs at the grocery store, at the gas pump, and in their monthly budgets.
"One year after the Republican Tax Law passed, Hudson Valley families are paying the price for Rep. Lawler’s vote," said Zachary Tirgan of Empire State Voices. "Families were promised lower costs and economic relief. Instead, 28,000 NY-17 constituents are losing their access to health care. Billionaire tax cuts were funded by gutting New York’s Medicaid system. Rep. Lawler should be funding more health resources for New York, not cutting them"
“Many New Yorkers don’t trust politicians like Mike Lawler or the media. They get their information from people who take the time to learn about them and have human conversations about what matters,” said Ellen P. Chapnick of Canvassing Connectors. “Canvassing Connectors is proud to have been part of this event, which inspired and prepared folks to help community members hold Mike Lawler accountable.”
The Summer Kickoff Party is part of Empire State Voices' ongoing Hudson Valley Summer Costs Series, a campaign that highlights the real-world consequences of rising costs and holds elected officials accountable for policies that make life more expensive for working families.
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
But when Hudson Valley families confront Rep. Lawler about these cuts, he dismisses their concerns. At a May town hall, Lawler brushed off constituent Tina, whose 103-year-old mother depends on Medicaid.
“Families like mine depend on affordable healthcare to stay healthy and financially secure. Rep. Lawler knew this law would put people at risk, and he voted for it anyway," said Tina. "Time and again, when given a choice between standing up for Hudson Valley families or falling in line with Washington Republicans, he falls in line. Rep. Lawler should be fighting to protect our healthcare, not defending policies that take it away. The Hudson Valley deserves better.”Rep. Lawler voted to cut essential health services New Yorkers rely on, cuts that threaten to push cancer patients and other vulnerable New Yorkers off Medicaid. The Hudson Valley can't afford any more of Mike Lawler's broken promises.
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
