To the Editorial Team: The Trump and GOP “populist” solution for fairness and economic justice was to pass the 2025 so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” that, in fact, delivered tax cuts heavily weighted toward wealthier people and relative crumbs for regular Joes and Janes. Additionally, programs serving tens of millions of Americans, notably Medicaid and food stamps, suffered hundreds of billions of dollars in cuts and restrictions.

If populism is “for the people,” our Ulster County leaders are doing it right, contrary to what we hear from the Republican minority. First, the Democratic majority has proposed a local law that would increase the exemption for assessed property tax owed by seniors with limited incomes (thereby reducing their tax owed). More broadly, the recently introduced Ulster County for Fair Taxes Act would generate needed revenue with a modest surcharge on taxable incomes over $200,000 for individuals and $400,000 for couples — that’s income after various deductions and exemptions have been used. (https://www.ulstercountyny.gov/Departments/County-Executive/Fair-Taxes-Act )

Why does the county, representing all of its residents, need the revenue? With those savage cuts in federal programs like Medicaid, serving over 26 percent /48,000-plus Ulster residents, local costs have skyrocketed. Prior to the 2025 legislation, the feds and local governments shared SNAP administrative costs 50/50. Now, locals are responsible for 75 percent of those costs. Where will the money come from? No one wants property tax increases. Ulster County is taking the logical route — For the People — by asking relatively few residents to contribute a bit more for the common good of all.

Tom Denton

New Paltz