Lawler draws jeers—and some cheers—at Mahopac Town Hall

MAHOPAC, N.Y. — A boisterous but under-control crowd packed the Mahopac High School auditorium for Congressman Mike Lawler’s Putnam County Town Hall last night, where the second-term rep of New York's purple 17th district discussed Social Security, Medicaid, taxes, the “Big Beautiful Bill,” immigration and ICE, federal defunding of universities, SALT and more.

After a protester was carried out by state troopers at Lawler’s May 4 Town Hall in Somers, the Congressman’s staff said attendees would face heightened security. To gain admission, people had to prove they resided in Lawler’s district and pass through hand-held metal detectors. A handful of protesters assembled in the parking lot opposite the high school gym, but people remained orderly going in and out of the session.

Fellow Republican, Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne, served as MC, pulling tickets from a tumbler that looked like it had seen duty in a 50/50 raffle. Before calling out names, Byrne laid down some ground rules: keep questions to 30 seconds, no yelling, no standing unless called and no disruptive behavior. Offenders, he warned, would be asked to leave or face trespassing charges.

“And nobody wants that,” Byrne added. While he frequently asked the crowd to settle down during booing or catcalls, no members of the public were escorted out. However, Journal News columnist and Mahopac resident David McKay Wilson reports that he was made to leave after taking a photo of Putnam County Legislator Erin Crowley, who was working the event as part of Lawler’s staff.

The evening began with the Mahopac VFW color guard presenting the colors, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Byrne then used a “point of personal privilege” to ask Lawler about his support for increasing the state and local tax deduction (SALT) from $10,000 to $40,000.

“The $40,000 cap will mean roughly 90 percent of the district will be able to fully deduct their state and local taxes on their federal income tax return,” Lawler said, as part of a lengthy answer that ended with a mix of applause and boos. He also defended the bill’s other provisions: a doubled standard deduction, child tax credit expansion, no tax on tips or overtime and increased funding for ICE and the military.

The evening continued in that rhythm. Questioners, chosen at random, expressed a mix of positions—some thanking Lawler for his work, more pressing him on his support for ICE, work requirements for Medicaid, tax breaks for the wealthy, the administration’s attacks on universities and his uncritical support of Israel.

Elise Lenz, whose question was read aloud by a friend, asked whether Lawler supported the federal government’s decision to freeze grant funding to Cornell University over alleged Title VI violations. The question framed the pause as politically motivated retaliation against higher education, adding, “If the students are antisemitic, then you punish the students. You do not burn down the entire house, OK?”

Lawler backed the move, saying Cornell was one of several schools under review by the Department of Education following civil rights complaints. “If they’re not in compliance, they shouldn’t receive federal funds,” he said. “That’s how the law works. If they are, the funding will continue.”

Asked about his stance on President Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” Lawler reiterated that he supported it for the SALT provisions and tax relief components. The mention of ICE and military funding drew some of the night’s loudest jeers—but also some cheers.

On Medicaid, Lawler argued in favor of new work requirements (80 hours per month, verified semiannually) and distinguished them from Medicare. He emphasized that traditional Medicaid recipients—seniors, children and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities—would remain unaffected. But the claim drew pointed pushback from Joe Mayhew, an Air Force veteran who said he was on Medicaid for eight months while looking for work after discharge.

“Do you understand how detrimental the overall proposed cuts to Medicaid—especially this work requirement—[would be] to people who want work or are working?” Mayhew asked, drawing some of the night’s loudest applause.

Lawler responded that people making a good-faith effort to find work would qualify for waivers, and the proposal was intended to encourage workforce entry—not to strip benefits. “Medicaid is a means-tested program,” he said. “If you no longer qualify because of income or... because you have, for instance, an employer-based health plan, you’re not gonna continue to stay on Medicaid.”

As he returned to his seat, Mayhew, speaking off-mic, added: “In practice, it doesn’t work like that. Vote no on this bill—vote no until the system actually works.” The crowd again erupted in applause.

Several times, Lawler said he was one of the most bipartisan members of Congress, citing rankings that placed him fourth overall and the most effective freshman legislator in the 118th Congress.  

“I passed 11 bills; six were signed into law by President Biden,” he said. “That wasn’t because I’m not willing to work with people—it’s precisely because I have.”

He also referenced his ability to talk with ideological opponents, including fellow New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. 

“I don’t dislike her personally,” he said. “We disagree on issues. That’s OK.”

Earlier in the evening, when asked why he continues to hold town halls—especially when many Republican colleagues have opted out—Lawler said, “Whether you agree with me or not, whether you like me or not, whether you voted for me or not, doesn't really matter. The fact is, I am your representative in Washington.”