Dem County Legislator Beth Davidson on Flipping NY-17

Summary

The MeidasTouch Podcast Summary

Episode: Dem County Legislator Beth Davidson on Flipping NY-17
Release Date: April 26, 2025
Host: MeidasTouch Network (Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas)
Guest: Beth Davidson, Rockland County Legislator and Democratic Congressional Candidate for New York's 17th District

---

Introduction

In this episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast, the Meiselas brothers engage in a deep discussion with Beth Davidson, a dedicated Rockland County Legislator running for the Democratic nomination in New York's 17th Congressional District (NY-17). The conversation centers around the critical issue of Medicaid cuts proposed by Republican incumbent Mike Lawler, the personal impact of these cuts on constituents, and Beth Davidson’s campaign to protect and enhance social services in the district.

---

The Human Impact of Medicaid Cuts

The podcast opens with a poignant segment highlighting the real-life implications of proposed Medicaid cuts. Guests Dionne Voltz and Katie Sanchez share their personal stories to underscore the urgency of the issue.

• Dionne Voltz's Testimony (02:14):

  "We have a president who has no dignity and no sense of the dignity of a human being... Medicaid was a tremendous blessing. They paid my son to care for me, and it was a dream come true."
  Dionne, a 102-year-old Medicaid recipient, emphasizes the essential support Medicaid provides, criticizing the current administration for undermining these crucial services.

• Katie Sanchez's Plea (08:03):

  "Please do not cut Medicaid. We need it. We need it. Please save it and do not cut it."
  As a 37-year-old disability rights advocate and Medicaid recipient, Katie articulates the dire consequences of budget cuts on individuals relying on these programs for housing, healthcare, and employment support.

These personal accounts are contrasted with Mike Lawler's stance on Medicaid:

• Mike Lawler's Position (04:28):

  "Basically, defense spending, Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid... you can't cut from the rest of the budget to balance things."
  Lawler argues that cutting essential services like Medicaid is necessary for balancing the federal budget, a stance that the podcast critiques as out of touch with constituents' needs.

---

Critique of Mike Lawler's Policies

Beth Davidson offers a thorough analysis of Mike Lawler's policies and their tangible effects on the community:

• Beth Davidson on Lawler's Inconsistencies (06:07):

  "Mike Lawler was a devotee of the late Michael Jackson, but it was another prophet of my generation, Generation X, MC Hammer, who said, you can't touch this. And that is what Mike Lawler seems to be implying."
  Davidson draws a parallel between Lawler's rhetoric and pop culture references to highlight his intransigence on cutting vital social services.

• Impact of Budget Cuts (07:33):

  "People are finding out again in lives, day-to-day lives, what these cuts have meant and what Mike Lawler's promises mean, which is, as it turns out, nothing."
  She criticizes Lawler for his failure to deliver on promises, pointing to specific instances where budget cuts have adversely affected local services, including law enforcement funding, clean water initiatives, and pedestrian safety projects.

• Campaign Funding and Accountability (06:07):

  "We know who funded Mike Lawler's campaign. Hugely $1.7 million. And that was one Elon Musk... What does he have to say about these cuts?"
  Davidson challenges the influence of significant donors like Elon Musk on Lawler's policy decisions, suggesting that personal interests are taking precedence over constituent welfare.

---

Beth Davidson’s Campaign and Vision

Beth Davidson articulates her commitment to defending social services and improving her district through effective governance:

• Track Record and Achievements (13:28):

  "I've cut taxes and passed my own common sense gun safety legislation and preserved hundreds of acres of open space and boosted funding for our nonprofits by 20%."
  Highlighting her legislative accomplishments, Davidson positions herself as a proactive and results-driven representative.

• Commitment to Constituents (14:58):

  "If they vote for me, they'll have someone who wakes up every day just as I do now, ready to go fight for them."
  She emphasizes her dedication to being a tireless advocate for her community, focusing on essential services like food security, healthcare, and infrastructure.

• Personal Motivation (13:28):

  "This time in Washington, D.C., two kids, one's going off to college and one's in eighth grade. So I'm doing this for them too."
  Davidson shares her personal motivations, connecting her campaign efforts to her responsibilities as a parent, thereby humanizing her political ambitions.

---

Community Response and Grassroots Support

The episode showcases strong grassroots opposition to Mike Lawler’s policies, with large-scale rallies and active community engagement:

• Rallies Against Cuts (10:43):

  "People are really concerned. And that's why you're seeing these huge rallies of 3, 4, 501,000 people pushing back against these cuts and specifically against Mike Lawler, Elon Musk, and Donald Trump."
  Davidson highlights the significant mobilization of voters who are actively resisting proposed budget cuts, demonstrating robust support for her platform.

• Constituent Outreach (10:53):

  "It's wrong. As you're talking about, they're having $400,000 Birkin bag parties and people are going hungry in this district. It's disgusting."
  She contrasts the lavish lifestyles of high-profile donors with the struggles of ordinary constituents, reinforcing the need for representative leadership that prioritizes community needs over personal wealth.

---

Conclusion and Call to Action

Beth Davidson concludes the interview by urging listeners to support her campaign and stay informed about the critical issues affecting NY-17:

• Campaign Information (15:01):

  "Sure. Beth davidsonforcongress.com."
  Davidson directs listeners to her campaign website for more information, emphasizing her accessibility and readiness to engage with voters.

• Future Prospects (11:25):

  "People are going to see it and you're going to see a huge turnout next November."
  She projects confidence in the upcoming elections, anticipating a strong voter response driven by her transparent and constituent-focused approach.

---

Key Takeaways

• Personal Stories Highlighting Policy Impact: The inclusion of Dionne Voltz and Katie Sanchez’s stories effectively humanizes the debate over Medicaid cuts, illustrating the real-world consequences of policy decisions.

• Critique of Incumbent’s Policies: Beth Davidson provides a detailed critique of Mike Lawler’s approach to federal spending, emphasizing the disconnect between his rhetoric and the tangible harm his policies inflict on the community.

• Beth Davidson’s Proven Leadership: Her track record in local government, coupled with her commitment to protecting and enhancing social services, positions her as a strong candidate dedicated to serving her constituents’ best interests.

• Strong Community Support: The significant grassroots opposition to proposed budget cuts underscores the community’s demand for effective representation and the protection of essential services.

• Call to Action: Listeners are encouraged to support Beth Davidson by visiting her campaign website and participating in the democratic process to ensure their voices are heard in Washington, D.C.

---

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Dionne Voltz on Medicaid’s Importance (02:14):

  "Medicaid was a tremendous blessing. They paid my son to care for me, and it was a dream come true."

• Katie Sanchez’s Plea (08:03):

  "Please do not cut Medicaid. We need it. We need it."

• Beth Davidson on Lawler’s Policies (06:07):

  "Mike Lawler was a devotee of the late Michael Jackson... you can't touch this. And that is what Mike Lawler seems to be implying."

• Beth Davidson on Campaign Funding (06:07):

  "We know who funded Mike Lawler's campaign. Hugely $1.7 million. And that was one Elon Musk."

• Beth Davidson’s Commitment (14:58):

  "They'll have someone who wakes up every day just as I do now, ready to go fight for them."

---

Final Thoughts

This episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast effectively combines personal narratives with political analysis to highlight the critical issue of Medicaid cuts in New York's 17th District. Beth Davidson emerges as a compelling candidate whose proven leadership and unwavering commitment to her constituents offer a promising alternative to incumbent Mike Lawler's policies. Listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of the local political landscape, the stakes involved in the upcoming election, and the importance of supporting candidates who prioritize community welfare over partisan agendas.

---

For more insights and discussions on protecting democracy and supporting effective leadership, subscribe to The MeidasTouch Podcast and join the MeidasMighty community.

Transcript

[Beth Davidson]

The missing child is Lucia Blix, 9 years old.

[Host/Reporter]

Please let her come back home safely.

[Dionne Voltz]

Thursdays the kidnappers plundered meticulously.

[Host/Reporter]

If money is what it takes to.

[Beth Davidson]

Get her back, we're gonna pay it.

[Mike Lawler]

The secrets they hide.

[Dionne Voltz]

You can't talk about this.

[Host/Reporter]

You can't write about it.

[Beth Davidson]

Are the clues.

[Katie Sanchez]

The mother's hiding something.

[Mike Lawler]

I know it.

[Beth Davidson]

To find her, tell me where she is.

[Mike Lawler]

The stolen girl. New episodes Thursdays Stream on Hulu. This episode is brought to you by Shopify. Upgrade your business with Shopify. Home of the number one checkout on the planet. Shop Pay boosts conversions up to 50%, meaning fewer carts going abandoned and more sales going cha ching. So if you're into growing your business, get a commerce platform that's ready to sell wherever your customers are. Visit shopify.com to upgrade your selling today. Shopify helps you sell at every stage of your business. Like that let's put it online and see what happens.

[Beth Davidson]

Stage and the site is live that.

[Mike Lawler]

We opened a store store and need a fast checkout. Stage thanks. You're all set that count it up and ship it around the globe Stage.

[Beth Davidson]

This one's going to Thailand and that.

[Mike Lawler]

Wait, did we just hit a million orders? Stage Whatever your stage Businesses that grow grow with Shopify. Sign up for your $1 a month [e-mail] Listen as Donald Trump and his.

[Host/Reporter]

Minions take a wrecking ball to the federal government and social services that people rely on. It's important never to forget the human element here. The stories of real people who are suffering, people who have experienced things in the past when government worked the way it was at least supposed to work better. And seeing it now and seeing how this has harmed their lives. I was able to speak with a 12 year old Medicaid recipient named Dionne Vols. Her perspective on things really touched me and I wanted to share this with everyone. So she's from. She lives within New York, 17th congressional district in that area. Let's just take a look at this interview here. Play this clip.

[Dionne Voltz]

Dionne Voltz I'm 102 years old. I taught for more than 20 years, taught journalism and worked for various papers and have been always a great believer in American independence and good taste. We have a president who has no dignity and no sense of the dignity of a human being, especially one who is old and expects to die any minute. When I say that Medicaid was a tremendous blessing. They paid my son to care for me and it was a dream come true. He knew so well how to do it. He was so wise and so kind, was lovely. And I still feel grateful for Medicaid. He seems to be insensitive, completely unaware of the issues which are to lose either to lose FDR's principles which were concern for everybody, no matter what their income. And he has abandoned the people.

[Host/Reporter]

So she lives in New York's 17th congressional district. She talked about MAGA Republican Mike Lawlor. When I see Dionne Voles there, spoke to me tell her story. And then I see Mike Lawler, who's around my age, and I see him going and doing these interviews and the way he talks, talks about Medicaid and Social Security as though it's just we're going to do with it here. Just watch an interview that he did recently. Let's play this.

[Beth Davidson]

Basically, defense spending, Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid.

[Host/Reporter]

That's about 90% of it right there. You can't cut from the rest of the budget to balance things.

[Political Analyst]

This, this, this has been the whole challenge, right, because we're blocking off roughly 87, 90% of federal spending and saying we can't touc that can't touch it. So we're arguing over roughly 13% of federal spending, you know, in terms of trying to find savings. And it's just not realistic. So the issue long term that we all have to grapple with Republicans and Democrats and we have to get serious about is how to tackle our national debt. Most of our debt is accrued by mandatory spending. There are savings to be had in the Defense Department, no question about it. There are savings to be had across every agency and department in the federal government.

[Host/Reporter]

I wanted to show you those clips back to back because when you Hear Dionne Voles102 talk about what Medicaid meant to her and then you see MAGA Republican Mike Lawler representing the district, I think it just brings the point home. Let's bring in Beth Davidson. She's a Rockland county legislature running for the congressional seat there against Mike Lawler, still in the primary stage, so running in the Democratic primaries there in New York. 17. Beth, I want to ask you from your perspective as a Rockland county legislator in that district, of course, when you see those videos and you see what Mike Lawlor says, what's your response to that?

[Beth Davidson]

Well, we here in the 17th district know that Mike Lawler was a devotee of the late Michael Jackson, but it was another prophet of my generation, Generation X, MC Hammer, who said, you can't touch this. And that is what Mike Lawlor seems to be implying. Except I really thank Joe Scarborough for teeing that up. For him to say, or he, Mike Lawlor, to say, it's not realistic not to cut. Not just Medicaid, which we already had concerns about for 230,000 people in the 17th Congressional District. But he implies that Medicare and Social Security are also on the chopping block. And I'll tell you that I have constituents in Rockland County, I represent the 10th Legislative District who are already reaching out to me, very concerned that our Social Security office in White Plains, the appeals office, is going to be shuttered as of May 29. And for those watching at home, Mike Lawler tried to blame that closure on the Biden administration, but whoops, the Doge memo of the week outlining all of their savings put that Social Security office on their docket. So we know who's to blame for this. We know who funded Mike Lawler's campaign. Hugely $1.7 million. And that was one Elon Musk, who You stole my line about the wrecking ball. That is what it feels like. And we're going to start feeling the impacts of that wrecking ball right here in CD17.

[Host/Reporter]

I think about just these human stories and I try to take the games out of politics in my reporting. I think corporate news for too long made this like a horse race when this is about people's lives. So I think Katie Sanchez, a 37 year old disability rights advocate and Medicaid recipient in Pearly river who spoke with me, let me just share her story and then I want to hear just generally about your communications with constituents there. But let's play this one.

[Katie Sanchez]

My name is Katie Sanchez and I am 37 years old and I live in Pearl River, New York. The Medicaid cuts would affect us, people like me, deeply with our programs. They have the housing like the community, residential supportive employment. I get all those and I live. I get Medicaid, I get Medicare. We cannot have those cuts. We really cannot. Or else what are we gonna do? My message, please do not cut Medicaid. We need it. We need it. Please do not cut. Please save it and do not cut it.

[Host/Reporter]

Like this is who Lawler is picking on. And Trump and Musk, this is who they're targeting while they hang out in Mar a Lago and party with the last party had was the pink Birkin bag Mar A Lago party bragging about $400,000 handbags that they were display or Trump talks about his meme coins that he's whatever. This is who they are. This is who they're attacking Beth.

[Beth Davidson]

Katie Sanchez is a friend. She is such an inspiration to me. She is a long distance runner. She's also running for president of her supportive house through arc. So really proud of her. And look, she's speaking truth to power. I was at an event with the disability rights community a few weeks ago called Rally in the Valley. And when Mike Lawler got up to speak and talked about how he was going to protect Medicaid, he got booed. So, you know, he can say over and over again that he's not touching Medicaid, but we know what he's doing. He's now voted twice to put those entitlement programs on the chopping block. People that people have worked their whole lives for, including Social Security and including Medicaid, which, you know, we don't. Not everyone understands that Medicaid helps, you know, people with disabilities, of course, seniors, children, half of all babies and moms in this country. And to think that anyone would put those programs up for grabs is just really despicable. And again, I'm hearing from it, from my constituents, they're really concerned. And that's why you're seeing these huge rallies of 3, 4, 501,000 people pushing back against these cuts and specifically against Mike Lawler, Elon Musk and Donald Trump.

[Host/Reporter]

Beth, are you seeing a shift in the district because the people still elected this guy in 2024, actually, CD17 narrowly.

[Beth Davidson]

Went for Kamala Harris. It's one of only three districts in the entire country that voted for Kamala Harris but did not elected a congressional Democrat.

[Host/Reporter]

That's but Lawler. And so, so they still picked Lawler, though. So are you seeing, though, a shift there where they're starting to realize, though, that Lawler is an agent of Trump, that this is not someone who's pretending to be something else? Do you think that's getting through right now?

[Beth Davidson]

I think that we're seeing exactly who Mike Lawler is through his voting record, through his false promises. You know, along with cutting Medicaid, that continuing resolution also clawed back $33 million in community project funding that he claimed he had secured conveniently right before the 2024 election. So, you know, these are funds for law enforcement here in Rockland county, where I live, for clean water in Putnam county, for sidewalk improvements in the town of Ramapo, to protect pedestrians and improve pedestrian safety. So people are finding out again in lives, day to day lives, what these cuts have meant and what Mike Lawler's promises mean, which is, as it turns out, nothing. And what does he have to say about these cuts to Medicaid? What does he have to say about cuts to SNAP benefits? There was a huge report in our local paper this morning about how food insecurity and feeding programs are getting totally hit, as are the farms that supply them. By these massive cuts to the Department of Agriculture and the worrisome coming cuts to SNAP programs, Our people to people food pantry director Diane Serratora said, people thank us for doing God's work. And I say we don't do God's work. We do what the government is supposed to be doing. And so I joined her in calling on Mike Lawler to do his job and make sure that even more people here in District 17 and Rockland county, where I live, don't go hungry. It's wrong. As you're talking about, they're having $400,000 Birkin bag parties and people are going hungry in this district. It's disgusting. And I think people are going to see it and you're going to see a huge turnout next November.

[Host/Reporter]

And Beth, people in Rockland county, of course, know who you are. But to the broader Midas Touch network here who may be seeing you for the first time, tell us a little bit about yourself. And obviously this is it's still in the primary stage for this congressional seat. So as you kind of tell us about yourself and what you're fighting for, how are you going to differentiate yourself in this, in this primary?

[Beth Davidson]

Sure. Well, I've lived in Rockland county for 20 years. I've spent about almost half of that in public service. I served two terms on my school board here in Nyack and then was elected to the Rockland County Legislature. I won a purple seat with 57% of the vote, just got out, knocked 4,000 doors, ran with a slate of candidates actually to with the express intention of winning a Democratic supermajority on the Rockland County Legislature. And three of us won. And we did win the first ever Democratic super majority in Rockland county history on our county Legislature. And so what that means is I'm probably one of the only Democrats in the country right now that can say I've cut taxes and passed my own common sense gun safety legislation and preserved hundreds of acres of open space and not cut, but boosted funding for our nonprofits by 20%. So that's a record I'm really proud to run on. I'm currently the only elected official in this race and ready to go toe to toe in real time on the issues that matter. Where Mike Lawler is falling short. I will be working very hard to make sure my constituents have what they need in terms of again, enough to eat, better sidewalks, better roads, and the security that if they vote for me, they'll have someone who wakes up every day just as I do now, ready to go to fight for them. This time in Washington, D.C. two kids, one's going off to college and one's in eighth grade. So I'm doing this for them too. It's my family. Also.

[Host/Reporter]

Amazing. And where can people find out more information about you?

[Beth Davidson]

Sure. Beth davidsonforcongress.com all right everybody, I'm on all the platforms except.

[Host/Reporter]

That'S good. Beth Davidson, thank you so much for joining us. We appreciate you here. We hope you'll come back.

[Beth Davidson]

Thanks so much for having me. Have a great day everybody.

[Host/Reporter]

Hit subscribe let's get to 5 million subscribers. Can't get enough Midas? Check out the Midas substack for ad free articles, reports, podcasts, daily recaps from Ron Filipkowski and more. Sign up for free [e-mail].

[Katie Sanchez]

Life can be chaotic. If you're running a retail business, don't let disorganized order fulfillment add to the chaos. Use Shipstation instead. With Shipstation, you never have to worry about shipping and fulfillment again. Whether you're running a business out of your garage or you have multiple warehouses, shipstation is ideal for every phase of your business's growth. Save time with one login for all your stores and by automating repetitive tasks. Plus, you'll save money with the best shipping rates from global carriers. Shipstation's industry leading features help you deliver a better customer experience. They'll get accurate and faster shipments along with automated tracking updates with your branding and with up to 88% off UPS and USPS rates and up to 90% off FedEx rates, ShipStation is the fastest and most affordable way to ship. Calm the chaos. Switch to ShipStation today. Start a free trial at shipstation.com audio. That's shipstation. Com audio.