State Senator Michelle Hinchey (D-41) is sounding the alarm over what she calls “confusion” and “ineptitude” unfolding in Washington, placing blame squarely on President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans.

In a video interview, Hinchey expressed deep concern over the House-passed budget framework that calls for $2 trillion in spending cuts over the next 10 years—reductions many expect to hit Medicaid the hardest. Hinchey warned that as many as 60,000 residents in her district—State Senate District 41—could see Medicaid services slashed. The district, which encompasses all of The Overlook Region (TOR) towns except for Olive, has a population of about 308,000.

A recent report by the Center for American Progress projected that 16 million Americans could lose Medicaid coverage if the proposed cuts are enacted, translating to roughly $2 billion in losses per congressional district.

“This creates deep uncertainty for everyone and is heartless,” Hinchey told me. “It should be deeply troubling because it could hit your grandmother or your neighbor.”

Of the 60,000 residents receiving Medicaid in her district, 19,000 are under 18 and 4,600 are seniors. Across the towns of Hunter, Hurley, Saugerties, Shandaken, and Woodstock, 13.6% of the population lives below the poverty line — including 13.8% of children and 10% of seniors.

As budget negotiations continue in Albany, Hinchey and her colleagues in both the Senate and Assembly are working extended hours to meet the March 31 deadline. Legislative leaders have agreed to maintain a status quo budget framework for now, holding off on making assumptions about Washington’s impact until there is greater clarity. Still, Hinchey is warning that “states, including New York, will not be able to backfill” federal cuts. The senator noted that while New York has healthy reserves, it would not adequately cover likely federal cuts.

Hinchey, 37, who was first elected in 2020 and now chairs the Senate Agriculture Committee, said her focus is on crafting a budget that reflects “our values.”

“We cannot live in fear,” she said. “We must look at how best to protect our citizens.”

Among her concerns is the ongoing tariff war, which she said will raise prices on farm supplies and trucks—both critical to her largely rural district. “Farm supplies are going to cost more, and we are going to see 20 percent increases in the cost of trucks,” she said.

When asked how her Republican colleagues are responding to the turmoil in Washington, Hinchey said they have largely stayed silent. But she noted that some have privately expressed doubts about the effectiveness of tariffs.

Still, Hinchey argues that rural communities—many of which supported Trump — will suffer most from what she calls a “Republican-created financial crisis.”

Determined to speak out, Hinchey said, “We have to be outspoken, and as much as possible, we have to flood the zone to counter this chaotic situation.”

She added: “A lot of people sat out the 2024 elections. We don’t have that luxury given what we are facing.”

Calling on her constituents — especially students — to raise their voices, she urged, “Hold press conferences, write to your representatives, speak out at town halls, and talk to your neighbors and family members. There’s not one person who is going to solve this problem. It will take all of us.”

Hinchey, now serving her third term, holds a 100% rating from the League of Conservation Voters and Environmental Advocates Action, while receiving a 41% rating from the National Federation of Independent Business.

As state budget talks move toward a policy focus later this spring, Hinchey outlined several of her top legislative priorities:

• Universal Pre-K and School Meals: Increasing funding to expand universal pre-K and universal school meals for all schools in her district, ensuring free breakfast and lunch for every student, regardless of family income. All three districts in TOR—Hunter-Tannersville, Saugerties, and Onteora — currently participate fully in the meals program.
• Farm to School Expansion: Growing the Farm to School program to allow schools to purchase more fresh foods from local farms.
• Hospital Transparency Act (Senate Bill 3486): Hinchey is the lead sponsor of this bill, which would require hospitals to disclose what types of care they offer, including reproductive, end-of-life, and gender-affirming care — critical information for rural and underserved communities. A similar bill was vetoed by Governor Hochul last year. “Across New York State, healthcare services are vanishing from communities due to hospital policies, presenting an especially substantial challenge for people in medically underserved rural areas,” Hinchey said.
• Tax Deduction for Fertility Preservation (Senate Bill 1853): This bill would provide tax relief for individuals seeking fertility preservation services. It is currently moving through the Budget and Revenue Committee.
• Workforce Stabilization Act (Senate Bill 1854): A bill to regulate AI’s impact on jobs, offering protections for workers whose employment could be threatened by automation and artificial intelligence.

Hinchey’s political roots run deep—her father, the late Congressman Maurice Hinchey, represented parts of TOR in Congress from 1993 to 2013, and served in the state legislature for nearly three decades before that.

Asked how her father would view today’s political landscape, Hinchey said, “Dad would be horrified at the disregard for the rule of law playing out today. There’s almost no way to describe it as we see democracy being ripped away. Dad deeply believed in our democracy and the possibility of America.”

She added, “My dad was built perfectly for this moment. If he were alive today, he would be walking into firehouses, gun clubs, and throughout our towns talking to people.” Watching her father, Hinchey said, shaped her understanding of the “plusses and minuses within society” and the importance of “coming together to elevate important issues.”

A proud daughter of Saugerties, Hinchey said growing up there shaped her values. “Saugerties is such a special place. I love its small-town feel. Everybody looks out for one another.”

On broader state politics, Hinchey declined to weigh in on the 2026 governor’s race, which could see Governor Kathy Hochul challenged in a Democratic primary by Congressman Ritchie Torres or Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado. “We have a lot of time,” she said.

Asked about the crowded New York City mayor’s race—which may feature former Governor Andrew Cuomo, Mayor Eric Adams, and State Senator Zellnor Myrie, among others—Hinchey wasn’t ready to endorse but added, “Senator Myrie would be a great mayor.”

In the coming weeks, The Overlook will profile additional state and federal representatives to give readers insight into their priorities and perspectives.

Scott Widmeyer is co-founder of The Overlook. Reach him at scott@theoverlooknews.com.