By Rebecca Martin
What: Ulster County Legislature meeting and vote on Resolution No. 375, concerning funding to defend Acting County Clerk Taylor Bruck
Where: Ulster County Legislative Chambers, 6th floor, County Office Building, 244 Fair Street, Kingston, NY 12401.
When: Tuesday, August 19, starting at 7:15 pm. Arrive early to sign up to speak and get a seat.
Why: The public is encouraged to attend and speak in support of the resolution to protect local government integrity and stand behind Acting County Clerk Taylor Bruck.
Can’t attend? Watch the meeting live on the Ulster County Legislature’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UlsterCountyLegislature
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The Texas Attorney General is trying to force New York to enforce a Texas judgment against a Hudson Valley doctor who prescribed abortion pills to a Texas patient. Acting Ulster County Clerk Taylor Bruck has refused, citing New York’s shield law protecting providers of Telehealth abortion care. Bruck expects a lawsuit to challenge this law, which, if it reaches the U.S. Supreme Court, could threaten abortion protections nationwide.
On Tuesday, August 19, the Ulster County Legislature will vote on Resolution No. 375, which would allocate funding to hire a civil rights attorney to defend Acting County Clerk Taylor Bruck against this lawsuit. The resolution proposes transferring $50,000 from the County’s contingency fund to cover legal services, as the County Attorney’s Office has determined that outside counsel is needed for this specialized representation.
The resolution passed through both the Laws, Rules and Government Services Committee and the Ways and Means Committee on August 14, and now heads to the full Legislature for a final vote on August 19.
The public is encouraged to attend and speak in support. The meeting takes place in the Ulster County Legislative Chambers, on the 6th floor of the County Office Building at 244 Fair Street, Kingston, NY 12401. It begins at 7:15 PM, and those wishing to speak should arrive early to sign up and get a seat.
If you can’t attend in person, you can watch live on the Ulster County Legislature’s YouTube channel HERE.
This is not a partisan issue – it is a test of whether local government will stand up for the rule of law and defend its own public servants from politically motivated attacks. A “no” vote on this resolution is effectively a vote to let Texas dictate how Ulster County officials carry out their duties. It undermines New York values and sends a dangerous message: that outside forces can weaponize the courts to intimidate local leaders and erode civil rights without consequence.
Good government means protecting the integrity of our institutions and supporting the people who serve our communities. Those concerned about the up-front cost should also consider the financial, legal, and moral consequences if Ulster County doesn’t take action. The greater risk is in doing nothing.
Thanks to the Ulster County Legislature for their leadership.
ADDITIONAL READING:
Texas attorney general sues New York county clerk over abortion ruling (Times Union)
This is a State matter and our State Attorney General’s office which we pay taxes to support the staffing of should handle this matter.