Auringer Praises Trump and Lawler for Highlighting SALT Relief for New York Families

KINGSTON, NY - May 22, 2026 - Jackie Auringer, Republican candidate for Congress in New York's 18th Congressional District, praised President Donald J. Trump and Congressman Mike Lawler for highlighting major tax relief for New Yorkers during Friday's Hudson Valley event, including expanded State and Local Tax deduction relief, no taxes on tipped wages, and Social Security tax relief for many seniors.

"President Trump came to the Hudson Valley to talk about what New Yorkers need most right now: affordability, tax relief, and lower costs," said Auringer. "I thank the President for making New York taxpayers, working families, tipped workers, and seniors a priority."

Auringer also praised Congressman Mike Lawler for his leadership in securing a major increase in the SALT deduction cap from $10,000 to $40,000, a critical issue for Hudson Valley families crushed by New York's high property taxes and cost of living.

"Congressman Mike Lawler fought for New York taxpayers and delivered real SALT relief when families needed it most," Auringer said. "That leadership matters. In communities across NY-18, families are doing everything right and still getting squeezed by high taxes, high utility bills, high grocery costs, and the endless affordability crisis coming out of Albany."

Auringer said the expanded SALT deduction is especially important for homeowners in Orange, Dutchess, and Ulster counties, where working families and retirees face high property tax burdens and rising costs.

"The SALT deduction is not some abstract Washington issue," Auringer said. "It is money back in the pockets of Hudson Valley families. It helps homeowners stay in their homes, helps seniors on fixed incomes, and helps working families who are tired of being punished for living in New York."

Auringer said the contrast in the race could not be clearer: while President Trump and Congressman Lawler delivered tax relief for New York families, Pat Ryan voted against it and dismissed the bill as a "S#@* sandwich."

"Pat Ryan had a choice," Auringer said. "He could stand with Hudson Valley families, seniors, tipped workers, and homeowners drowning under New York's affordability crisis - or he could stand with Washington Democrats. He chose Washington Democrats."

Auringer said Ryan's vote was especially revealing because he has publicly claimed to support SALT relief, yet voted against legislation that increased the SALT deduction cap from $10,000 to $40,000.

"Pat Ryan says he supports SALT relief, but when it mattered, he voted no," Auringer said. "That vote was a vote against tax relief for NY-18 homeowners, a vote against tipped workers keeping more of what they earn, and a vote against Social Security tax relief for many seniors."

Auringer also highlighted additional tax relief measures that will benefit NY-18 workers and seniors.

"No tax on tips means relief for waitresses, bartenders, servers, hospitality workers, and the men and women who keep our local restaurants and small businesses moving," Auringer said. "Social Security tax relief means many seniors who worked their whole lives can keep more of what they earned. That is common sense, and it is exactly the kind of relief Washington should be delivering."

Auringer contrasted the federal tax relief agenda with Governor Kathy Hochul's record in Albany, where New Yorkers continue to struggle with rising taxes, higher energy bills, and an affordability crisis that has pushed too many families and seniors to the breaking point.

"New Yorkers shoulder the highest combined tax burden in America and some of the nation's highest energy costs, and Governor Hochul's Albany agenda has only made the affordability crisis worse," Auringer said. "Albany keeps making life more expensive, and Hudson Valley families are paying the price. We need leaders who will lower costs, cut taxes, and fight for the people who actually live here."

Auringer said NY-18 deserves a representative who will fight for taxpayers, working families, seniors, and small businesses.

"I appreciate President Trump coming to New York to focus attention on the issues that matter most to families here: affordability, taxes, and the cost of living," Auringer said. "NY-18 deserves a representative who will fight for tax relief, stand up to Albany's failures, and put working families, seniors, and small businesses first."