Hi friend,

I’m writing to you at the end of a challenging week. On Wednesday, we saw political violence rear its ugly head again in America with the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Our disagreements on policy issues are not important here—what is important is that political violence can never be tolerated in a democratic society. We must disagree using speech, activism, and the ballot box, not bullets. My heartfelt condolences are with his family during this difficult time.

But we’ve seen America come together before during dark times—times where we’ve seen evil but worked together to rise above it and solve problems as one nation.

We saw that on Thursday, as we observed the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. We all remember where we were on that day—I was a sophomore at West Point, when my fellow cadets and I learned we would no longer be serving in a peacetime military, but instead fighting in a war. We saw true evil that day, and the despair of thousands of families whose loved ones never came back from work. But we also saw the best of America—the courage and heroism of first responders, volunteers, and people from all walks of life who came together in the face of this tragedy.

We have got to find a new spirit of national unity for America. That doesn’t mean abandoning our priorities—far from it—but it does mean we all must work together to foster a healing of the divides in our political culture. We can unite with patriotism, purpose, and a deep care for all Americans, even when we passionately disagree.

How to stay involved

As always, please sign up below and share this email with friends and family who are interested in getting involved!

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I need your help expanding our reach and getting more people signed on to our update emails like the Patriot Weekly. The more of us talking and working together, the stronger we are. Please forward this email to your network who may not be receiving them or who want to be more engaged politically at this moment.

There are also lots of volunteer opportunities in the Hudson Valley around this year’s local elections. Sign up to volunteer with the Ulster, Dutchess, or Orange County Democrats to start making a difference.

What’s going on

Hudson Valley

What I’m doing: Fall in the Hudson Valley is a celebration of our region’s heritage. From Rhinebeck to Warwick and everywhere in between, our communities are alive with festivals, orchards, and farmers markets. In this tough political moment, I wanted to start with something we can celebrate.

What you can do: Here’s a snapshot of what’s ahead.

Festivals: Warwick Applefest (Oct. 5), Barton Orchards Harvest Festival (Oct. 11–13), and the Sheep & Wool Festival in Rhinebeck (Oct. 18–19).
Orchards & Farms: More than 35 places across Dutchess, Orange, and Ulster counties for apple picking, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, cider doughnuts, and hayrides.
Halloween: From LEGOLAND’s family-friendly “Brick-or-Treat” to the famous Headless Horseman in Ulster Park, there are options for everyone.
Farmers Markets: We have 40 markets across the Hudson Valley where you can shop local and support the small farms that are the backbone of our economy.

This is what makes the Hudson Valley so special—neighbors coming together to celebrate the season, support local farmers, and keep our traditions alive. Head out to an orchard, festival, or market, bring some friends, take a moment to think about how much stronger our community is when we invest in each other.

New York

What I’m doing: Families and small businesses across New York are getting squeezed by sky-high utility bills. One small business reported their bill went up nearly $600 compared to last year, even though they used less electricity. And now, a new National Grid rate hike is hitting households with an extra $22 a month on top of already crushing costs.

I’m calling out utility companies for raking in profits while working families are forced to make impossible choices. I’ve pushed for more investment in affordable and reliable transmission infrastructure, and opposed Trump’s “Big Ugly Betrayal,” which piles higher costs onto New Yorkers while handing out giveaways to billionaires and fossil fuel interests. Utilities are just another way that middle class people get screwed over by corrupt elites.

What you can do:

Take action locally: Attend Public Service Commission hearings or submit comments when new rate hikes are proposed.
Spread the word: Share this newsletter with neighbors and small businesses so more people know their rights and can push back together.

Washington

What I’m doing: This week, I made it clear where I stand on the upcoming funding fight. Democrats can’t just roll over and accept another BS funding deal that minimizes damage. Trump doesn’t honor deals—he’s already screwing the American people. You don’t cower in front of a bully. You stand strongly for what’s right.

I’m pushing our caucus to take an aggressive posture in these shutdown negotiations: protect health care, reverse Trump’s cruel Medicaid cuts, and repeal his tax giveaways for the ultra-rich. See below for the details of my proposed plan, and please help me pushing this out across all channels.

What you can do:

Raise your voice: Post on social media and tell your friends that Republicans are holding the government hostage to force Medicaid cuts and giveaways for the wealthy. Share my three point plan to stand up for us in this funding fight.
Contact your representatives: If you’re outside NY-18, call your member of Congress and demand they hold Republicans accountable for the Big Ugly Betrayal and restore health care funding in this budget.

Going on offense

With government funding due to expire at the end of this month, Democrats cannot continue the same weak posture that we’ve had in previous shutdown fights. I’ve outlined a three-part plan of what must be included in any funding deal that can earn my support.

Repeal the $1 trillion tax cut for the 1% that Trump just enacted and replace it with a tax cut for the middle class.
Repeal the $75 billion in funding that Trump gave to masked, unaccountable ICE agents and instead fund local law enforcement and opioid addiction treatment.
Repeal Trump’s $1 trillion Medicaid cut and replace it with a 75% health insurance premium cut, saving folks in the Hudson Valley upwards of $1,000 per year.

We need to be clear-eyed and strong-willed heading into this fight. We need to find our backbone and keep it. We’re the patriotic majority—we can win, but I’ll need you alongside me.

Keep the faith, keep up the fight, and thank you for reading!

In Solidarity,

Pat