KINGSTON – Republicans in the Ulster County Legislature are condemning the Democratic Majority’s proposed county income tax surcharge, calling it another example of progressive tax-and-spend policymaking that punishes success, hurts small businesses, and makes Ulster County less affordable and competitive.

“When Kamala Harris claimed there are ‘no bad ideas’ to strengthen the Democrat Party, Ulster County Democrats apparently took that as a challenge,” members of the Republican Caucus said.

Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger, along with county legislators Senator Michelle Hinchey (D, Saugerties) and Assemblywoman Sarahana Shrestha (D, Esopus) introduced the Ulster County for Fair Taxes Act, legislation that would impose income tax surcharges on the rich and potentially provide property tax relief for middle and lower-income workers.

Ulster County Minority Leader Kevin Roberts said the proposal shows how disconnected Democratic leadership has become from the realities facing local residents.

“This proposal is rooted in the same failed tax-and-spend ideology that has driven businesses and working families out of New York for years,” Roberts said. “Ulster County Democrats continue to treat financial success as something to punish rather than encourage. Many of the people targeted are the same individuals creating jobs, investing locally, and helping keep our economy moving.”

Deputy Minority Leader Craig Lopez criticized the proposal as another example of Democrats prioritizing ideology over affordability.

“This is the same Democratic majority focused on symbolic resolutions and national political virtue signaling while local families struggle with affordability, housing costs, energy bills, and some of the highest taxes in the country,” Lopez said. “Residents want county government focused on fiscal responsibility and core priorities — not political theater and higher taxes.”

The Republican Caucus is urging residents, business owners, and taxpayers to speak out against the proposal before it advances through the County Legislature and Albany.