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A Message from Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger
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Dear Friends,
On July 4, President Trump signed into law a federal budget bill that will shrink the social safety net and add trillions of dollars to the national debt to pay for over $4 trillion in tax cuts that, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, will deliver the greatest benefit to the highest income earners while leaving low-income households financially worse off. The bill also eliminates incentives and credits for renewable energy and clean technologies, which will put the U.S. further behind in addressing climate change.
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The cuts to Medicaid and SNAP will affect many Ulster County residents in the coming years: Close to a third of our residents depend on Medicaid and its expansion under the Affordable Care Act for healthcare, and nearly 18,000 households receive SNAP to afford enough to eat. The federal budget also shifts major program costs to states and counties, effectively increasing the burden on local property taxpayers. (See the summary of safety net cuts, below.)
Much is still unknown about precisely how the cuts will affect Ulster County in the near term — it depends in good part on how the Governor and State Legislature respond to these cuts and the budgetary shortfalls they create. I will keep you updated in the coming months.
All my best,
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Recent News & Events
Congress's Safety Net Cuts in Brief
The Trump budget law passed by Republicans in Congress cuts over $1.3 trillion from federal health care and food assistance programs over 10 years to offset less than a quarter of the law's tax cuts. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that millions of Americans will lose health care coverage and SNAP benefits as a direct result of this law. The law also shifts more of the administrative costs to states and counties and adds new county administrative costs as a result of changes to work and eligibility requirements for Medicaid and SNAP.
SNAP (timeframe - phased-in changes beginning in 2026, likely 2nd quarter)
- Work requirements have been extended to seniors up to age 64, veterans, the homeless, and adults with children ages 14 and older. More onerous certification requirements and restrictions on waivers are expected to cause a number of residents to lose benefits regardless of their employment status.
- Shifts 25% of mandated administrative costs to states and counties (now 75%) and up to 15% of the total cost of SNAP benefits, putting upward pressure on property taxes.
- Benefits will be reduced relative to increasing food prices in future years as a result of the bill's rollback of the Thrifty Food Plan.
Medicaid, ACA, CHIP (timeframe - effective dates of specific changes range from just after mid-term elections in 2026 through 2028)
- Cuts federal spending on Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) by $1.02 trillion over the next ten years.
- New work requirements (ages 19-64) and more onerous eligibility determinations. These were included despite an analysis by the Congressional Budget Office showing that work requirements would result in large costs and little benefit. (Arkansas implemented similar work requirements, and the program added over $26 million in administrative costs, caused 18,000 people to lose their health coverage, and had no meaningful impact on employment.)
- New cost-sharing requirements for beneficiaries of Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act.
HEAP
Trump's proposed budget called for eliminating the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) entirely. The fate of the program is unknown: A final decision on 2026 funding will be taken up by Congressional Appropriations Committees later this month.
County Youth Summer Camp at Kingston Motel Kicks Off
Always great to start the day off with a little meditation! The Ulster County Youth Bureau's summer camp, organized for children at the Kingston Motel, is providing high-quality, enriching programming for more than two dozen children. From day one, the excitement and energy have been incredible, and we want to give a big shoutout to Director Sugely Melenciano-Weed and our amazing camp staff, including counselors in our Youth Employment Program!
Two County-Supported Housing Projects Under Construction & Ahead of Schedule!
County Executive Metzger and her team stopped by the construction sites of two County-supported affordable housing projects for seniors — Harmony Hall in New Paltz and Silver Gardens in Highland!
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Harmony Hall is a 51-unit affordable senior housing development supported by Ulster County's Housing Action Fund, which was created by County Executive Metzger and the Legislature in 2023 to expand housing that is both affordable and green. Located on S. Manheim Blvd., the building will be heated and cooled with ultra-efficient heat pumps, powered partly by rooftop solar, and is conveniently located on the UCAT bus route and within walking distance of pharmacies, grocery stores, and other needs.
This project of the Affordable Housing Conservancy is ahead of schedule, and apartments should be ready in October! For more information or to inquire about the application process, call (845) 255-1825 or visit: www.harmonyhallnewpaltz.com.
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Silver Gardens is a partnership of Girondini LLC and RUPCO that benefited from a $500,000 County ARPA grant for geothermal heating and cooling. The development will offer 57 affordable one-bedroom apartments for seniors, thoughtfully designed with on-site supportive services, ADA-accessible features, and direct trail access to Franny Reese State Park.
This project is also ahead of schedule, with apartments expected to be ready in September. The public lottery for available units is now open — for more information or to apply, contact RUPCO at (845) 331-2140 or visit rupco.org.
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Thanks to the County Nature Bus, Ellenville Residents Enjoy a Day at Minnewaska State Park for Free!
Janet Nunez, the County's Program Manager at the Trudy Center in Ellenville, organized a day of fun and adventure for local residents at Minnewaska State Park, taking advantage of Ulster County's free Nature Bus! (Minnewaska State Park, which ordinarily costs $10 per vehicle, is also free if taking the Nature Bus.)
How lucky are we to have this extraordinary resource!
Upcoming Public Listening Session for Behavioral Health Needs Assessment
The Ulster County Department of Mental Health, in coordination with the Community Services Board and the Human Services Research Institute (HSRI), is advancing its Countywide Behavioral Health Needs Assessment with a community listening session:
🗓️ Sun., Aug. 10
🕖 3:30 – 5 PM
📍Saint James Church (29 Pearl St., Kingston)
This session is part of a broader initiative to strengthen Ulster County’s behavioral health system, making it more responsive, equitable, and accessible to all. Residents, service providers, caregivers, and community partners are invited to share their stories, challenges, and ideas. Input gathered will directly inform a five-year strategic plan shaping future policies, investments, and programs.
The Aug. 10 listening session will include free food, and Spanish and ASL interpretation will be available. Sensory rooms will also be provided to ensure a comfortable and inclusive experience for all participants.
Old-Time Baseball Fun in Ulster County
County Executive Jen Metzger joined the Ulster County Regional Chamber of Commerce in welcoming their newest member — the Kingston Guards, one of Ulster County’s Vintage Baseball teams! These players honor the roots of America’s pastime by reviving the rich tradition of 19th-century “base ball” (two words, back then), right here at Herzog’s Field in Kingston Plaza. Executive Metzger got to throw the first pitch, along with Radio Woodstock’s Greg Gattine, in their game against the Saugerties Brickmakers!
Growing the Green Workforce
The non-profit Communities for Local Power (CLP) kicked off the next round of Empower Kingston — an innovative workforce development program that pairs trainees with local contractors for hands-on learning and experience in energy-efficiency and clean energy trade jobs that contribute to a strong and sustainable local economy. County Executive Metzger, who co-founded CLP back in 2013 and served as its first Director, spoke at the event about the value of Empower Kingston in providing underserved communities with a pathway to good jobs and a meaningful career.
Celebrating Leadership at Historic Huguenot Street
Photo credit: Sarah Levy
County Executive Metzger presented Mary Etta Schneider with a Certificate of Recognition for her 20 years of visionary leadership at Historic Huguenot Street — a National Historical Landmark District in the Village of New Paltz dedicated to preserving the history of the Huguenot settlement and the area's Indigenous and enslaved African peoples. A special dinner was held in her honor during the weekend-long New Netherland Marketplace at Historical Huguenot Street. This historical reenactment brought to life the history of settlers, enslaved peoples, and indigenous peoples, and included members of the federally recognized Lenape Delaware communities, who came from as far as Wisconsin, Oklahoma, and Ontario to portray the life of their ancestors in their ancestral homelands.
2025 I Voted Sticker Contest - Vote Today!
Vote for your favorite 'I Voted' design by Fri., Aug. 15, for the upcoming November election. The winning design will be announced in September and given to voters at the polls in November. Visit the County’s Board of Elections website to cast your vote for the best design today!
Note: the system only allows one vote per household IP address– you may need to use a smartphone using cellular data if someone at home has already voted using your IP address.
New Paltz Artist Ryan Cronin Partners with Ulster County Department of Health for Countywide Awareness Campaign
The Ulster County Department of Health and New Paltz-based contemporary artist Ryan Cronin will unveil a new public art piece — ‘We Are Public Health’ — on Fri., July 25 at 6 PM, at the Cronin Gallery at Water Street Market in New Paltz. The collaboration is part of a broader initiative to raise awareness of public health services and engage residents in a shared understanding of community wellbeing.
Developed in partnership with Ulster County Public Health Director Eve Walter, the campaign builds on the department’s commitment to accessible, equitable health services by elevating visibility across the County. Cronin’s painting will form the basis of 100+ lawn signs to be placed adjacent to public health-regulated sites throughout Ulster County. Each sign includes a QR code linking to the Department of Health’s website, creating a pathway for residents to explore the services available to them.
The unveiling event is free and open to the public.
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The Ulster County Human Rights Department works to ensure that everyone in our community is treated with dignity and respect. Through education, outreach, advocacy, and complaint resolution, the department promotes equality, prevents discrimination, and helps residents understand and exercise their rights under New York State Human Rights Law.
While the department leads the County’s day-to-day human rights efforts, it works in close partnership with the Ulster County Human Rights Commission — each playing a distinct but complementary role in advancing human rights locally.
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The Human Rights Department is a County government office staffed by Director Joe McDonald and Human Rights Specialist Kathleen Harrison. The department investigates discrimination complaints, conducts outreach and education, and works directly with residents seeking support.
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The Human Rights Commission is a volunteer board of 11 community members who meet monthly with the department to offer input, elevate community concerns, and collaborate on public education, events, and policy recommendations.
A few recent initiatives of the Human Rights Department include:
- Leading implementation of County Executive Metzger’s Executive Order #1 of 2025 to protect transgender residents from discrimination based on gender identity or expression. She issued the Executive Order in response to federal actions and actions in other states targeting transgender individuals.
- Launching a countywide library outreach program, where the Department provides one-on-one guidance and information about discrimination protections, local resources, and the complaint process.
- Partnering with the Mobile Museum of Tolerance at this year’s Ulster County Fair (Open to all attendees, July 29–Aug. 3). This interactive museum promotes understanding, empathy, and historical awareness of civil rights, the story of Anne Frank, social justice, and other contemporary issues through immersive technology.
In 2024, the department received 104 complaints and inquiries related to discrimination. Most claims involved:
- Housing and employment discrimination
- Disability-related issues in housing or employment
- Gender identity or expression, followed by race, disability, and retaliation in employment
Many residents are still unaware of their rights under New York State law, and the department has found that protections for service animals and gender expression are among the most commonly misunderstood.
Residents who believe they have experienced discrimination in housing, employment, education, public accommodations, or credit services—whether based on race, gender identity or expression, disability (including service animal access), religion, or another protected class — can submit a complaint online for guidance and investigation.
Call the Department at (845) 334-5492 or email humanrights@co.ulster.ny.us for more information.
Help Honor Human Rights Heroes in Ulster County
The Ulster County Human Rights Commission is proud to launch this year's Annual Human Rights Community Recognition Award to recognize an individual and an organization or business demonstrating an exceptional commitment to protecting, supporting, and advancing human rights in our community.
We invite the public to submit nominations! All nominations and supporting materials must be received by Oct. 1, 2025.
July is Disability Pride Month
July is Disability Pride Month, a time to honor and recognize the history, achievements, experiences, and struggles of people with disabilities. It affirms that disability is a natural and valuable part of human diversity — not a deficit or condition to be fixed.
The Arc’s National Council of Self-Advocates selected the 2025 Disability Pride Month theme: We Belong Here, and We’re Here to Stay. It delivers a powerful message — people with disabilities are a vital part of every community. More about Disability Pride Month from The Arc:
- More than 1 in 4 adults in the United States — over 70 million people — have a disability. This month calls on everyone to promote inclusion and ensure people with disabilities are accepted exactly as they are, without conditions.
- Disability Pride Month is an annual observance in July that celebrates people with disabilities, commemorates the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and promotes disability culture and visibility.
- Disability Pride Month recognizes the importance of the ADA, which was signed into law on July 26, 1990. It highlights disability culture, history, and community pride. This month challenges the harmful idea that people with disabilities need to conform to norms to live meaningful lives. Their lives are just as full, valuable, and worthy of respect — no more, no less.
Through our ThinkDIFFERENTLY initiative, we’re working to promote greater accessibility, equity, and opportunity for individuals of all abilities. This includes encouraging local governments, businesses, and organizations to be more inclusive of people of all abilities. We're working with partners across the County to break down barriers and build a stronger, more accessible community.
Share your ideas for proactive steps that can be taken by individuals, businesses, and communities to “ThinkDIFFERENTLY,” and help us compile a directory of local resources and support services available to individuals with special needs and their families.
RCAL's 3rd Annual Disability Awareness Parade happens this Sat., July 19, at 11 AM. The parade will step off from the municipal lot at Frank Guido's Little Italy on Thomas Street and march down the Broadway corridor. The parade ends at Keegan Ales but continues until 2 PM — families can enjoy a bounce house, children’s games, music, and delicious food, while receiving helpful resources from local non-profits.
Join Us for a Workshop: Protecting the Children in Your Care
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Learn how to prevent, recognize, and respond to child sexual abuse. Presented in both English and Spanish. Dinner will be provided. Facilitated by the Ulster County Crime Victims Assistance Program.
🗓️ Tues., July 22
🕖 6 PM
📍 Broadway Bubble (718 Broadway, Kingston)
RSVP to attend: jill@kingstonmidtownrising.org.
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Join Us on the Free Nature Bus on Saturdays!
The Ulster County Nature Bus runs every Saturday through the end of September and is completely FREE for both transportation and admission to parks and preserves. Nature Bus destinations are accessible for people of all ages and abilities.
🗓️ Sat., July 19
📍River Route — The Nature Bus departs from Kingston Plaza, with a stop at Garraghan Drive. Destinations include Sojourner Truth State Park, Kingston Point Beach, Black Creek Preserve, and the Walkway Over the Hudson State Park.
🗓️ Sat., July 26
📍Ridge Route — From New Paltz, the Nature Bus picks up riders at the NYS Thruway Park and Ride, New Paltz Gardens, and New Paltz Trailways; from Ellenville, the Nature Bus departs from Liberty Square. Destinations include the Mohonk Preserve Testimonial Gate Trailhead, Mohonk Preserve Visitors Center, and Minnewaska State Park Preserve.
Make the most of your trip by wearing appropriate footwear, and don’t forget to bring water. Each bus has a bike rack (first come, first served), and helmets are required when biking in state parks. Only service animals are allowed. For questions, call UCAT Dispatch at (845) 334-8458.
Community Members & Employers in Ulster County - Take Our Survey!
The Ulster County Workforce Development Board (WDB) is proud to be selected as the first WDB to receive the Rural Welcoming Initiative Fellowship by Welcoming America — a recognition of the Board's commitment to supporting newcomers to the County — whether they're from another county, state, or part of the world. As part of the initiative, the WDB is planning a welcoming celebration during the week of Sept. 12-21.
Your thoughts and feedback are needed for the Ulster County Workforce Development Board's Welcoming Week Celebration! Complete our survey before Thurs., July 31, if you are:
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Funding Opportunity for Projects to Support, Improve the Lower Esopus Creek
Ulster County, in collaboration with the Hudson River Foundation, is pleased to offer a funding opportunity for projects identified in the Lower Esopus Stream Management Implementation Plan that address water quality impairments and are ready for near-term implementation. This is part of a multi-year initiative to restore and protect the health of the Lower Esopus Creek, a vital natural resource flowing through the towns of Olive, Marbletown, Hurley, Ulster, and Saugerties, as well as the City of Kingston and the Village of Saugerties.
You can watch the recording of a recent webinar to learn more about this opportunity! Interested applicants must first submit a Letter of Interest through the Hudson River Foundation’s online application by Friday, July 25.
New York State Expands Veterans Tuition Award Eligibility
New York State has officially expanded eligibility for the Veterans Tuition Award, allowing more Veterans to access full SUNY or CUNY in-state tuition for undergraduate studies. Under the new rules, Veterans may now qualify through:
- Any length of combat service, OR
- A minimum of four years of active-duty service, even without combat duty
Previously limited to combat Veterans, this change opens the door to higher education for many who have served in vital non-combat roles — making this the most significant expansion of the program since it began. Eligible Veterans must be New York State residents.
This information is being provided for the benefit of Ulster Residents, these programs are not operated or controlled by the County of Ulster.
Ulster County Offers EMS Equipment Grant Program - Apply Today
Ulster County has created a $500,000 Equipment Grant Program for local EMS agencies to enhance response. Eligible EMS transport agencies can apply for grants for advanced cardiac monitors and mechanical chest compression devices to help deliver high-quality prehospital care when every second counts. Other goals of the program include:
- Strengthening frontline response
- Supporting high-level training and readiness
- Building a more sustainable and resilient EMS system
Learn more and apply before the deadline: Fri., July 18.
Apply for a Rewarding Job with Ulster County
Consider a career in public service and earn a living by making a difference!
Visit the civil service portal and apply today to join our team. We’re currently hiring for these critical roles:
Ulster County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer and fully complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
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