Empire State Voices Criticizes Rep. Mike Lawler Over Increased Costs
An advocacy group named Empire State Voices has launched a $7,000 advertising initiative targeting Representative Mike Lawler for decisions allegedly leading to increased living costs.
Advertisements dubbed the “Mike Spike” are appearing in newspapers within Lawler’s Hudson Valley district, as well as on mobile billboards and a prominent banner above Interstate 287.
The campaign points to three major actions by Lawler purportedly responsible for rising expenses: endorsing the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB), supporting former President Donald Trump’s tariff strategy, and backing military actions in Iran.
According to a Time Magazine report from July, 450,000 residents of New York have lost health insurance due to Medicaid cuts and the non-renewal of Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) subsidies under the OBBB. The funding from these cuts is primarily directed towards tax breaks for the affluent and major corporations.
Lawler has endorsed OBBB, describing it as a “blueprint for how we can govern responsibly.” The law is expected to result in 7.5 million Medicaid recipients losing their health coverage overall.
Additionally, Lawler has expressed support for Trump’s tariff policy, which he sees as a temporary strategy intended to secure long-term benefits.
However, a Democratic report from the Joint House Economic Committee indicates that New Yorkers faced an additional $310 on grocery bills last year due to these tariffs, marking a 4% rise since Trump reassumed the presidency.
The same analysis mentions a $432 increase in fuel costs for New Yorkers, linked directly to the conflict in Iran. Lawler, who has supported this military engagement, opposed a war powers resolution that could have potentially ended the situation.
Dylan Wheeler, Senior Organizing Director at Empire State Voices, criticized Lawler for prioritizing media appearances over addressing constituent needs.
“We need our Congressman to start supporting meaningful legislation to lower our costs, and stop putting partisan politics ahead of what’s best for New Yorkers,” Wheeler stated.
Lawler is campaigning for a third term in office, facing Democratic challenger Cait Conley.
