Tariff-ied for the Future: Hudson Valley Small Businesses Hit by Rising Costs
WESTCHESTER, NEW YORK — Following an organizing action with Hudson Valley small business owners, Empire State Voices is calling on Rep. Mike Lawler to stop backing cost-raising tariffs and billionaire-first policies that are squeezing working families and local businesses alike. The tariffs Lawler supports 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.
"Every time costs go up, small businesses like mine are forced into impossible choices," said Mimi, owner of Mimi’s Coffee in Westchester. "We’ve had to raise prices just to keep up with higher supply costs and rising bills, and our customers are feeling it. These tariffs might look like politics in Washington, but in the Hudson Valley, they mean higher prices, tighter margins, and more pressure on small business owners like me.”
Now, after the Supreme Court ruled most of Trump’s tariffs illegal, billions in refunds could flow to large corporations instead of the consumers and small business owners who actually bore the costs. Rep. Lawler should be fighting for NY-17 families and local businesses, not the billionaires funding his lavish campaign lifestyle.
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.
