June 16, 2026 Legislative Session

The Ulster County Legislature held its June 16, 2026 legislative session, which included multiple public hearings and extensive public commentary primarily focused on the proposed Fair Tax Act. This act aims to impose a small surcharge on high-income earners to offset federal funding cuts impacting county services such as Medicaid, SNAP, and affordable housing. The session featured robust debate with numerous residents and stakeholders expressing both support and opposition, highlighting concerns about tax fairness, economic impact on small businesses, and the potential for wealthier residents to relocate. The legislature also approved a bond resolution for an $850,000 elevator modernization project at county office buildings and authorized a $700,000 funding agreement with the Kingston Housing Authority to support affordable housing development. Additionally, a resolution increasing the signature requirement for petition discharges was discussed, emphasizing the importance of legislative debate and minority representation. The meeting concluded with acknowledgments of community members who recently passed and a call for continued community engagement.