Executive officers in Ulster County for weeks have been sounding the alarm about how our residents will be affected by the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” legislation passed by the GOP-controlled Congress and signed by Donald Trump.  Its effects will hammer county residents this year and throughout the decade. 

Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger has warned that one third of county residents are currently covered by Medicaid, supported by federal dollars.  Starting in 2026, the level of federal support will drop.  State and counties must make up the difference for those covered, though that number is projected to drop precipitously due to tightened and punitive regulations.   Where would the money come from?  Mostly from the state and property taxes we all pay.  Given our housing crisis, how much more can residents be expected to pay?  If local officials cannot raise the money, newly uncovered and unhealthy people will still go to hospitals that must admit them for illnesses and diseases that are treated more efficiently and cheaply with preventative medicine.  Hence, health care costs will undoubtedly go up for everyone.

Speaking for small municipalities, New Paltz Mayor Tim Rogers notes that community projects, related to items like water and sewer, will lose funding that will have to be replaced by new bonds that are ultimately paid for by taxpayers—or the projects simply won’t happen. 

Elected representatives like Metzger, Sarahana Shrestha, March Gallagher, Michelle Hinchey, and Pat Ryan emphasize that New York can do better.  With one of the largest economies in the world, our state must respond to the radical Republican attack on local economies.  All of the above representatives have asked Governor Hochul to call for a special session of the State legislature.  The focus must be on reform of our revenue-raising tax structure.  Proposed bills wait for action.  The Progressive Income Tax Bill will add 10 new tax brackets to the New York personal income tax structure so that the top 5% of earners will contribute fairly.  Corporations, which now pay less than they did in the 1990s, can raise $7 billion annually.  (https://www.investinourny.org/2025agenda)

These, and other proposed bills, taken together can more than fill in the gap caused by the BBB’s irresponsible legislation.  We can maintain our social safety net and keep our economy thriving.  New York can show, “Not on our watch.”