New year, new laws. And some of those changes could impact New York’s economy once the ball drops on New Year’s Eve.”I think that we can continue to expect success here in Clinton County,” said Molly Ryan, the Director of Economic Development in Clinton County.The minimum wage will increase to $16 per hour for New Yorkers outside of the city. This is the third year in a row the minimum wage is increasing.But Ryan said not much will change for people working within Clinton County.”We’re very competitive of up here,” said Ryan. “The county itself already pays above the minimum wage. Most of our major employers already pay above the minimum wage.”Ryan said the lowest-paid employees in the county already earn up to $20 per hour.Another change comes from Gov. Kathy Hochul. She announced that the largest middle-class tax rate cut in seven decades will go into effect. It’s part of the state’s 2026 budget, and it means most New Yorkers will start seeing fewer state taxes taken out of their paychecks.”People are worried about tariffs driving up the cost of everything and inflation, which was promised to be lower and prices lower,” said Hochul. “And it’s just not. So, we’re here to continue focusing on what matters most to New Yorkers is their families and safety, and affordability.”Ryan explained how this will help families in our region.”Whenever there’s any sort of tax cuts for residents, that means more money that they have for their disposable income, which we hope in turn will turn into sales tax revenue, which goes back into their pockets,” said Ryan. “So, it’s a great cycle, whenever we see some sort of tax cuts for our middle-class families.”Ryan said the anticipated improvements for all New Yorkers will help keep the economy strong for Clinton County residents.
New year, new laws. And some of those changes could impact New York’s economy once the ball drops on New Year’s Eve.
“I think that we can continue to expect success here in Clinton County,” said Molly Ryan, the Director of Economic Development in Clinton County.
The minimum wage will increase to $16 per hour for New Yorkers outside of the city. This is the third year in a row the minimum wage is increasing.
But Ryan said not much will change for people working within Clinton County.
“We’re very competitive of up here,” said Ryan. “The county itself already pays above the minimum wage. Most of our major employers already pay above the minimum wage.”
Ryan said the lowest-paid employees in the county already earn up to $20 per hour.
Another change comes from Gov. Kathy Hochul. She announced that the largest middle-class tax rate cut in seven decades will go into effect. It’s part of the state’s 2026 budget, and it means most New Yorkers will start seeing fewer state taxes taken out of their paychecks.
“People are worried about tariffs driving up the cost of everything and inflation, which was promised to be lower and prices lower,” said Hochul. “And it’s just not. So, we’re here to continue focusing on what matters most to New Yorkers is their families and safety, and affordability.”
Ryan explained how this will help families in our region.
“Whenever there’s any sort of tax cuts for residents, that means more money that they have for their disposable income, which we hope in turn will turn into sales tax revenue, which goes back into their pockets,” said Ryan. “So, it’s a great cycle, whenever we see some sort of tax cuts for our middle-class families.”
Ryan said the anticipated improvements for all New Yorkers will help keep the economy strong for Clinton County residents.