Community leaders and farmers met with Rep. Pat Ryan Tuesday about the rising costs of food, housing and utilities in the Hudson Valley.

The so-called “kitchen table” discussion was held at the Alexis Diner in Newburgh. Housing advocates, small business owners and people on a fixed income also attended the discussion.

Ryan says the purpose is to hear from community members about what they’re experiencing and ways the federal government can help.

“We have to stop fighting in Washington and actually fix the problem. Stop focusing on divisive issues and bring down the costs for people,” he says.

Ryan has introduced a series of bills under his Affordability Agenda aimed at lowering interest rates, prescription drug prices, protecting social security and raising the eligibility rate for help with home heating costs under the federal government’s Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP).

Click here for more information on Ryan’s proposal.