Jackie Auringer Blasts Ulster County Income Tax Surcharge Proposal

KINGSTON, NY - May 23, 2026 - Congressional candidate Jackie Auringer (R-C) today blasted a proposal by Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger to authorize a new income-based county tax surcharge, saying the plan is being sold as fairness but would actually be another new tax on New Yorkers already struggling with the crushing cost of living.

"This is an extraordinary and dangerous idea," Auringer said. "Once government creates a new tax, it rarely stops with the people it first claims to target. Today it is higher-income earners. Tomorrow it will be small businesses, working families, homeowners, and anyone Albany decides can afford to pay a little more."

The proposal, backed by State Senator Michelle Hinchey and Assemblymember Sarahana Shrestha, would ask Albany to grant Ulster County the authority to impose a new surcharge on income above $200,000 for single filers and $400,000 for joint filers.

"At a time when families are struggling with the high cost of living in New York, Ulster County is actually proposing to make it worse," Auringer said. "This is not tax relief. It is not reform. It is county government asking Albany for a new revenue stream so that when future costs rise, government can take more from taxpayers instead of making hard choices."

Auringer said the surcharge would not just affect the ultra-wealthy. It would also hit small business owners, entrepreneurs, family businesses, contractors, and professional practices whose income often flows through their personal tax returns.

"Let's be honest about who gets caught in this net," Auringer said. "This hits the very people creating jobs, supporting local charities, sponsoring youth sports, and keeping our Main Streets alive."

Auringer warned that targeting higher-income residents would make Ulster County less competitive and risk driving residents, investment, and jobs elsewhere.

"We have already watched families, retirees, businesses, and job creators leave New York for states where they can afford to live and invest," Auringer said. "Now Ulster County wants to make that same mistake worse at the local level. If you drive higher earners and employers out of the county, you shrink the tax base, weaken local businesses, and leave everyone else paying more."

Auringer called on Congressman Pat Ryan to immediately oppose the proposal.

"Pat Ryan should immediately and unequivocally oppose this proposal," Auringer said. "Hudson Valley taxpayers deserve to know whether he stands with them or with yet another tax increase."

"The Hudson Valley does not need a new tax," Auringer said. "We need elected officials willing to show the same discipline families show every day: make tough choices, live within their means, and say no when government reaches once again into the pockets of New Yorkers."