The Hudson Valley is leaning toward a safer, environmentally forward and cost conscious future.

This is according to Rep. Pat Ryan's State of the Hudson Valley address that was delivered on Thursday.

The speech comes on the one-year mark of his two-year congressional term.

Rep. Ryan says he is fighting for several initiatives in Washington D.C. and closer to home.

One of the top priorities is to bring the costs of prescription drugs down.

The 'Stopping Pharma's Ripoffs and Drug Savings For All Act' would change patent law and force name brand drug companies to demonstrate how each patent differs from other drugs already on the market.

Another top priority comes as families fight cost of living challenges.

The congressman is pushing to expand child tax credits and prevent expensive Central Hudson rate hikes currently being proposed.

School and community safety is top of mind as he rallies behind an assault weapon ban in the country.

"For my kids...for your kids... for all our kids... we've got to keep fighting for everything we've got," Ryan said.

He says he also plans to prioritize environmental issues like flooding in the Hudson Valley, lead levels in Poughkeepsie and forever chemicals impacting asthma rates in Newburgh.

The Democrat represents New York's 18th Congressional District.

The 18th District includes all of Orange County, and portions of Dutchess and Ulster counties.