Press Coverage
News coverage, official statements, and quotes about the Ulster County Fair Taxes Act.
Fair Taxes Act Amended in Response to Public Feedback
Reflecting feedback from residents and the business community since the May announcement, the sponsors have amended the proposal. The income thresholds are raised to $250,000 (single) and $500,000 (joint) — limiting the surcharge to roughly the top 1% of filers — and a carve-out is added for business income taxed at the entity level (New York's pass-through entity tax). The surcharge rate is adjusted to 18.75% to limit the revenue impact, with the measure now estimated to generate $9–15 million annually. The Ways & Means Committee takes up the amended Home Rule request on July 9, with the full Legislature to consider it July 14.
Majority Leader Uchitelle Responds to the Comptroller's Opposition
A point-by-point response to the four concerns Comptroller March Gallagher raised about the Fair Taxes Act.
Legislation Announced to Lower Tax Burden for Ulster County Families
County Executive Jen Metzger, Senator Michelle Hinchey, and Assemblymember Sarahana Shrestha jointly announced the Fair Taxes Act on May 22, 2026 in Kingston. As originally announced, the legislation would authorize a 16.75% surcharge on NYS income tax owed on taxable income above $200,000 (single) or $400,000 (joint), generating an estimated $10–20 million annually to reduce the county's reliance on regressive property and sales taxes.Note: the proposal was amended in July 2026 — thresholds raised to $250,000/$500,000, a business (PTET) carve-out added, and the rate adjusted to 18.75%. See the July 8 update at the top of this page.
News Coverage
Public Hearing: Fair Taxes Act — Legislative Session Recording
35 members of the public testified before the Ulster County Legislature on the Fair Taxes Act, with speakers both in support and in opposition. The public comment period begins at approximately 32:20.
Debate over Fair Taxes Act Grows as Ulster County Weighs Surcharge on High Earners
In-depth piece on the mounting opposition from three fronts heading into the public hearing: Republican legislators, the Ulster Strong business alliance calling for a pause, and the County Comptroller urging substantial changes. Includes Majority Leader Uchitelle's response citing migration data showing Ulster gained 279 residents and $169.2M in net income — most in the Hudson Valley.
Ulster Lawmakers Delay Vote on Income Tax Surcharge for Wealthy
Coverage of the Ulster County Legislature postponing its vote on the proposed income surcharge as it continues to build local consensus around the Fair Taxes Act.
New Legislation Announced to Lower Tax Burden
Coverage of the Fair Taxes Act and its goal of reducing Ulster County's reliance on regressive property and sales taxes by creating a progressive income-based surcharge.
Editorial: County Feels a Few Must Pay For The Many
An editorial questioning the approach of funding county services through a surcharge on a small number of high earners.
Ulster County Exec Unveils Income-Based Surcharge on Higher-Income Earners
Regional television coverage of the announcement, including the 1.5% effective rate on income above the thresholds and the $10–20 million annual revenue estimate.
Ulster Officials Announce Fair Taxes Act
Coverage of the joint announcement by County Executive Metzger, Senator Hinchey, and Assemblymember Shrestha from the My Hudson Valley regional news network.
Senator Michelle Hinchey & Assembly Member Sarahana Shrestha Announce Fair Taxes Act
Official press release from the NY State Senate announcing the legislation with quotes from County Executive Metzger, Sen. Hinchey, Assemblymember Shrestha, and Majority Leader Uchitelle.
With Fair Taxes Act, Ulster County Officials Push to Redefine 'Fair Share' for the Wealthy
Detailed coverage of the announcement including the legislative context, income inequality data, and reaction from county officials.
Ulster County Exec Unveils Income-Based Surcharge on Higher-Income Earners
Political analysis and context for the proposal, including the county's $496 million total budget and the 19-4 Democratic supermajority in the County Legislature.
Ulster County Leaders Propose Tax Surcharge on High-Income Earners
Radio coverage including the $1,465 estimated surcharge example for a $300,000 earner and context on the federal SNAP cost shift.
Ulster County Announces Legislation to Lower Tax Burden on Families
Coverage of the announcement including the county's Democrat supermajority (19-4) and the path forward through the state legislature.
Ulster County Republicans Condemn Proposed Income Tax Surcharge
Coverage of the four Republican legislators' opposition, including arguments about business flight and calls for spending cuts first.
Auringer and Metzger Disagree on Proposed Ulster County Income Tax Surcharge
Coverage of the disagreement between a Republican legislator and the County Executive on the proposal.
Letter to the Editor: A Fair Tax
Opinion letters in support of the Fair Taxes Act published in community outlets.
In Their Words
“The deck is really stacked against working families and people living on fixed incomes, who can barely keep up with the rising costs of basic necessities. We're seeking authority from the state to create a fair progressive tax — one based on ability to pay.”
“We need creative solutions to protect our residents from being priced out of their community. We've put this legislation on the table to provide Ulster County with a new tool to make the local tax system fairer.”
“When the wealthy don't pay their fair share in taxes, the burden is unfairly borne by those who have less.”
“In Ulster County, we're asking the highest earners to pitch in a little more so working families can finally catch a break.”
“It is a myth that because of New York's tax reforms, millionaires have left. They have actually increased in number.”