FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 1, 2025
Contact: press@ucdems.org

Ulster Democrats Call Out GOP’s SNAP Lies & Failure to Show Up
for Ulster County Families

Ulster County, NY -- Ulster County Democratic leaders today called on local Republican officials to stop the cowardice and political games, and demand that their party in Washington stop the harm they are causing to Ulster County families. Instead of helping solve the crisis their party created, local Republicans issued yet another embarrassing and misleading press release, proving they are not serious about governing or helping residents who are hurting.

Let’s be clear: The federal government has the money to fund SNAP, the courts affirmed that. Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans are choosing not to release it, inflicting needless harm on working families, seniors, and children — including the roughly 10% of Ulster County residents who rely on SNAP.

This was discussed in detail during the Ulster County Legislature’s Health, Human Services, and Human Rights Committee meeting on Thursday, October 30, led by Chair Abe Uchitelle. Had Minority Leader Kevin Roberts (R-Plattekill) or Deputy Minority Leader Craig Lopez (R-Shawangunk) attended that meeting instead of skipping it, they would already know:

  • Counties do not have the ability to fund the SNAP program, and

  • The $1.2 million they referenced in their release would not even cover one month of SNAP benefits for Ulster County families

“While Republicans in Washington are weaponizing hunger and healthcare cuts, the local GOP is issuing senseless press releases instead of solving real problems. Press releases don’t fill anyone’s belly. They should be working with the Democratic Caucus and the County Executive instead of putting out empty words,” said Abe Uchitelle, Chair of the HHSHR Committee.

Ulster County Legislature Chair, Peter Criswell, stated, “With SNAP benefits halted by the President, nearly 18,000 of our Ulster County neighbors could lose access to food assistance starting November 1. Local food pantries are bracing for increased demand — and they could use our help. If you’re able, please consider donating to the Ulster Food Access Fund, initiated by the County Executive and managed by the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley. Every bit helps support folks right here at home: tinyurl.com/UlsterFoodAccessFund.”

“Hunger isn’t partisan,” said UCDC Chair Barbara Graves-Poller. “Even if House Republicans are ok with Trump building a golden ballroom while Americans go hungry, you would think that the local GOP would make a real effort to collaboratively address the hunger crisis close to home.”

Ulster County residents deserve elected officials who show up, do the homework, and fight for solutions, not press releases designed to distract from a Republican-created crisis. Our community deserves better.

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