Serving the Hudson Valley

August 2023

Team, 

Just because Congress is “out of session” doesn’t mean our we’re taking a break! My team and I are crisscrossing the Hudson Valley connecting with constituents at community events, talking with small business owners, and meeting with local leaders to make sure we are reaching every corner of our district. Our office’s C.A.R.E.S. Van is traveling to different parts of NY-18 — because constituent services should be easy and accessible for everyone. Find out where our van is stopping next here!

Read on to learn more about the work we are doing in the Hudson Valley.

Lead Cables

In July, we learned of a Hudson Valley playground contaminated by lead from a cable left behind by telephone companies a decade ago. My team and I sprang into action, working to assess and make sense of the situation. Knowing full well if this was happening in one community due to corporate neglect, it probably wasn’t the only community. What we found was startling. 

My sons love playing at our local playgrounds — so it’s beyond concerning to learn about abandoned toxic lead cables around the Hudson Valley, including near a playground in Wappingers Falls. 

Lead exposure can cause serious health complications, especially for kids. These companies knowingly abandoned these cables and did nothing to mitigate the potential harm to our communities. 

I’ve called for a Congressional hearing about these toxic cables — because mega-corporations cannot continue to put profit ahead of our kids’ safety. 

I won’t let this continue. It's far past time for these corporations to clean up their act. Stay tuned for more updates on our work to hold these corporations to account. 

All around NY-18

This summer, my campaign had the opportunity to participate in Rep. Jamie Raskin’s Democracy Summer School Program. We had a downright remarkable group of young people from local universities participate in a paid fellowship program to help engage youth voters and to learn campaign skills to help the next generation face today’s most pressing battle: The protection and preservation of our democratic values. 

Getting and keeping students and young people engaged in politics is vital to building winning coalitions. It’s been a pleasure getting to know our Democracy Summer Fellows in NY-18! 

I had a great time at the Northern Dutchess Dems’ event earlier this month. I wouldn’t be able to do this job without their ongoing support 

In the News

“For over a year, I’ve been fighting to hold Central Hudson accountable — this is a huge step in that direction, and will provide real relief to Hudson Valley families. Every day, I hear from constituents who are negatively impacted by estimated meter readings and I’m glad to say we’ve put a stop to it,” Ryan said in a statement.

“In less than four weeks since the storms in early July, crews designed and constructed a new support system for the structure that connects the roadway to the Bear Mountain Bridge Circle, allowing access between West Point and the Bear Mountain Bridge.”

“Rep. Ryan also credited communities coming together to assist their neighbors, from volunteer firefighters rescuing people from inundated cars and homes to West Point cadets helping brace area homes and businesses from rising waters.”

“Both as County Executive and now in Congress, I’ve fought to deliver for Hudson Valley families, working to secure the infrastructure investments we need to revitalize our local economy and create good-paying jobs. This is an absolute game-changer for the city of Kingston and the region as a whole,” said Congressman Pat Ryan. 

Last month, community leaders from across the Hudson Valley joined Congressman Pat Ryan and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries in celebration of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act delivers $20 billion to ensure access to clean drinking water in New York, $11 billion for the MTA and Metro-North, and more than $13 billion to rebuild bridges and highways across the state.

“For far too long, families in Poughkeepsie have worried that when they turn on the faucet or when their child uses the water fountain at school, they would be ingesting poisonous lead. This is a crisis that cannot continue,” said Congressman Pat Ryan. “We’re taking aggressive action, starting with getting EPA experts on the ground and working closely with city leaders to secure federal funding. I will not rest until every lead pipe is removed and every parent can rest assured that their kid is drinking clean water.”

“In today’s Congressional Corner, Democrat Pat Ryan of New York’s 18th district continues his conversation with WAMC’s Ian Pickus.”

Addressing the fentanyl crisis

Far too many families are impacted by the devastating effects of the fentanyl crisis. I’m committed to addressing this epidemic — starting with looking at the root causes of this drug crisis. The Chinese Communist Party is a huge source of fentanyl in our country, and I’m working with colleagues across the aisle to pass the Stop Chinese Fentanyl Act. 

My team and I are hard at work serving the people of the Hudson Valley. I appreciate you following our work and keeping in touch with your top priorities. 

Yours in service,

Pat

Pat Ryan for Congress
P.O. Box 2113
Kingston, NY 12402

PAT RYAN IS A FORMER MEMBER OF THE U.S. ARMY. USE OF HIS MILITARY RANK, JOB TITLES, AND PHOTOGRAPHS IN UNIFORM DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT BY THE DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY OR THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE.

If you believe you received this message in error or wish to no longer receive email from us, please unsubscribe.