photo by Allie M
Hudson Valley residents are fed up with rising healthcare costs, and they’re demanding answers from Congressman Mike Lawler.
On Friday, they gathered at Pugsley Park in Peekskill to voice their concerns.
“Congressman Lawler lied to me at his town hall, saying he wouldn’t cut Medicaid for my mother. July 1st came around, and now my 103-year old mother has to pay over $2000 every year from her social security for previously covered medical supplies. Her healthcare costs are out of control and we all just can’t afford another term of Lying Lawler,” said Tina Volz-Bongar from Peekskill. “Instead of making things better, Congressman Lawler made them worse.”
In Congress, Representative Lawler voted to slash federal Medicaid funding, stripping care away from 37,000 constituents in his districts.
He also allowed Affordable Care Act subsidies to expire, causing families’ healthcare premiums to skyrocket 114%.
As a result, tens of thousands of area families are at risk of losing their coverage, and far more are faced with medical bills and insurance premiums they simply can’t afford to pay.
According to the Journal News, one Peekskill resident saw her insurance premiums rise from $10,000 to $29,000, forcing her to use retirement funds to cover healthcare that President Trump and Congressman Lawler cut.
Residents were joined on Friday by healthcare professionals and community leaders with New York Communities for Change, Citizen Action, Northern Westchester Indivisible, and Cohort Z. They echoed residents’ concerns about Rep. Lawler’s failed leadership for the district.
“Mike Lawler slashed healthcare for residents in NY-17 and has been voting for policies that jack up bills for everyday people. We can’t afford our electric bills, gas at the pump, and now our hospital bills because Lying Lawler puts Trump and his billionaire donors ahead of his own constituents in Washington D.C.,” said Olivia Leirer, Executive Director at New York Communities for Change. “This election it’s time to give Lying Lawler the boot and get back to fighting for everyday people who need healthcare, lower bills, and a livable New York.”
“Congressman Lawler voted to gut healthcare funding, and now Peekskill families can’t afford to see the doctor,” said Isiah Fenichel, Hudson Valley Organizer at Citizen Action. “Residents are fed up with MAGA Mike Lawler continuing to lie and evade his constituents, instead of making it more affordable to live here. Lawler has got to go!”
This isn’t the first controversy Rep. Lawler has faced. The Congressman has also been the subject of protests in recent months over policies that have increased energy costs.
ABOUT NEW YORK COMMUNITIES FOR CHANGE
New York Communities for Change brings neighbors together to build community power. NYCC members use that power to improve their lives and their communities. We use direct action, legislative advocacy, and community organizing to fight for a safe and healthy New York. Learn more at www.nycommunities.org