The rallies drew attention, in particular, to U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler (NY-17), who has championed these cuts to essential services to fund tax cuts for billionaires. The protests drew widespread media attention, including coverage by WNBC anchor Rachel Maddow in her nightly broadcast.
“The working class is working their hardest to stay above water. And when they reach retirement age, what is going to be there for them?” asked Linda Bartees, a member and leader with Community Voices Heard at the Social Security Field Office in Peekskill. “Our money belongs in our pockets… We have struggled, and this struggle is not over unless we stay together. So you go with me, and lift your voices!”
CANY also organized events in Albany, Corning, Syracuse, and in New York City, and traveled to Washington, D.C. to meet with their representatives about the proposed cuts.
