The phrase "regressive nature" refers to something that goes backward or reverses progress. It means a tendency or quality to move in a counterproductive or less advanced direction. Full definition
Governor Cuomo proposed a «circuit breaker» personal income tax credit in his Executive Budget, which would have refunded a portion of a household's property tax liability when it exceeded a predetermined share of income, in recognition of the regressive nature of property taxes. (cbcny.org)
The regressive nature of the Welfare cuts certainly go against the recent motion passed (as above) «Ensuring Fairness in a Time of Austerity»: particularly Item 9: «Ensure that any cuts to welfare benefits are progressive in nature: reducing benefits enjoyed by the most affluent before cutting benefits for the poorest and most vulnerable.» (socialliberal.net)
This would help balance out the regressive nature of New York's overall tax structure, where the wealthiest 1 percent pay a smaller share of their income in state and local taxes than do the bottom 99 percent. (fiscalpolicy.org)