Plans for the first Chick-fil-A in the Hudson Valley is sparking a debate about whether politics affects where people are choosing to spend their money.

The restaurant chain has a history of supporting anti-LGBTQ groups, but the company said it would stop doing so in 2019.

But its CEO Dan Cathy still donates to the National Christian Charitable Foundation, which denounces LGBTQ equality.

Four Democratic lawmakers wrote a letter, saying Chick-fil-A at Thruway rest stops sends a hurtful message.

Then, 13 Republicans wrote a counter letter, saying people should still have the right to choose.

"Anybody who feels like they prefer Burger King or McDonald's can certainly choose to go there," says Assemblyman Colin Schmitt.

In a statement, the company told News 12, "Chick-fil-A does not have a political or social agenda."

They say they give back by "contributing $25,000 to food banks in each community where we open a new restaurant."

Construction on 10 of the 27 rest stops is set to start later this month. The Thruway has not responded to News 12's question about whether Chick-fil-A will be a part of that.