Three progressive lawmakers gathered in Glens Falls over the weekend to denounce what they called the devastating impact of Republican budget policies and to present an alternative vision centered on equity and justice.
Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Congressman Paul Tonko (NY-20), and Congresswoman Becca Balint (VT-AL) joined union leaders, advocates, and community members for a town hall that highlighted how President Donald Trump’s budget law — dubbed the “Big Ugly Bill” — threatens working families.
The law, signed on July 4, is projected to strip health insurance from 17 million Americans and cut food assistance for 4 million, while funneling billions into tax breaks for corporations and the wealthy. Republicans, the lawmakers argued, are raising everyday costs for families while deepening inequality.
“Republicans’ Big Ugly Bill is an assault on every person who calls this country home,” Pressley said. “We will not let them hide from their cuts to healthcare, food assistance, and reproductive care — because lives depend on it.”
Tonko, who represents nearby New York communities, said he was “proud to stand with Progressive Caucus colleagues” to call out the GOP’s policies. “We heard powerful stories from community members already feeling the impact of this disastrous legislation,” he said, pledging to take those voices back to Washington.
Balint emphasized that Democrats must articulate a hopeful vision to counter GOP cuts. “We can build an America that truly works for working people,” she said. “That means no one has to choose between health care and rent.”
Absent from the event was Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY), who represents Glens Falls and declined the invitation to join. Constituents criticized her absence, with one attendee noting Stefanik “has not shown up in years to talk to us and explain her reasoning for her votes.”
Union leaders and advocacy groups echoed the lawmakers’ concerns, warning that the budget threatens jobs, healthcare, and community stability. “We will not sit idly by,” said Dennis Trainor of the Communications Workers of America.
The event doubled as both a listening session and rallying call, with attendees urged to organize, demand accountability, and fight back against what advocates described as “policy violence” from Washington.
