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Kingston council unanimously backs resolution to "save" Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid
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Summary
The Kingston Common Council adopted Resolution 92, 9-0, expressing local support for Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid and opposing proposed federal cuts; the measure followed broad public comment from union members and residents.
The Kingston Common Council voted unanimously June 3 to adopt a resolution urging protection of Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid from proposed federal cuts.
Resolution 92 (02/2025), introduced by Alderman Michael Tierney, passed 9-0 after a series of public comments from union representatives and residents describing the local importance of the programs.
The resolution does not change federal policy but records the council—s opposition to reductions and expresses support for the federal programs and the workers who administer them. The council moved the item earlier on the agenda after public comment highlighted the issue.
In remarks introducing the resolution, Alderman Michael Tierney said: "It is a benefit is is wrong to call it. It is a right. We pay for all of it on here." Multiple public speakers — including employees and union representatives from the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IATSE), American Postal Workers Union (APWU) and National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) — urged the council to act.
Amanda Bracco, who identified herself as a Social Security Administration employee and union representative, told the council: "We administer benefits to over 73,000,000 people, and Social Security lifts 22,000,000 people, including 40% of seniors above the poverty line." Patty Dines, speaking for IATSE members, said many entertainment workers rely on Medicaid because their employment does not provide stable employer-based insurance.
Other union leaders described individual cases they said would be harmed by cuts. Diana Klein of the American Postal Workers Union said she had helped pass a similar resolution in the town of Hurley and urged Kingston to do the same. Jody Stefano, president of the National Association of Letter Carriers for the Hudson Valley, thanked the council for taking up the issue and described families in his union who rely on Medicaid.
Council members spoke in favor of the resolution. Tierney, who sponsored the measure, framed it as defending public employees and a social safety net; Alderman Rene Scott Childress and Alderman Michelle Hirsch also voiced strong support. Council members noted that federal policymaking falls outside the council—s jurisdiction but said a local resolution signals municipal concern and solidarity with affected residents and workers.
Formal action: Resolution 92 (02/2025) passed 9-0. The council directed that a copy of the resolution be sent to relevant federal representatives and communicated the council—s position publicly.
Background: Speakers and council members emphasized that the city cannot directly alter federal programs but said local endorsement is an important expression of public support for the safety-net programs and for workers who administer them.
