NYS Office of Comptroller DiNAPOLI: LOCAL SALES TAX COLLECTIONS UP 20% IN THIRD QUARTER

 

 

Statewide Local Sales Tax Collections Higher Than Pre-Pandemic Levels

 Local sales tax collections totaled $5.2 billion in the third quarter (July-September of 2021), up $861 million (20%) from the same period last year and continuing the trend of exceeding pre-pandemic levels, according to a report released today from State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.

“Local sales tax collections continue to show year-over-year growth after experiencing significant drops during the early outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic,” DiNapoli said. “This growth is an indicator that New York is experiencing an economic recovery, but local governments must closely watch changing economic conditions as supply chain shortages and workforce disruptions may impact growth.”

Statewide, every region saw solid growth in sales tax collections during the third quarter compared to the same period last year. Outside of New York City, the July-September period marked the fifth quarter in a row that county and city sales tax receipts met or exceeded 2019 pre-pandemic levels for the same period. Some of the regions with the strongest third quarter growth include Mid-Hudson (16.5%), Long Island (16.3%), and the Capital District (15.4%).

Sales tax receipts for New York City totaled $2.1 billion in the third quarter, an increase of nearly 28% compared to the same period in 2020. Overall, the City’s collections have been recovering at a slower pace than the rest of the state since April 2020, but its sales tax revenue has nearly reached pre-pandemic levels.

Statewide local sales tax collections in the third quarter of 2021 grew 8.6% ($409 million) over the pre-pandemic third quarter of 2019.

Year-to-date (January-September) collections in 2021 were nearly $14.4 billion, up 19.2%, or $2.3 billion, over the same period in 2020, and 6.1%, or $825 million, higher than the first three quarters of 2019.

Trends Spurring Growth

The strength in statewide local collections likely reflects changes seen nationally. The U.S. Census Bureau’s advance monthly retail trade report shows strong year-over-year growth for the third quarter, especially in sectors such as gas stations (38%), clothing stores (35%), and restaurants and bars (34%).  Increased costs for goods also increase sales tax collections, and the price of consumer goods and services during this third quarter grew by 5.3% over the same period last year, as measured by the Consumer Price Index.

The improvement in New York City sales tax collections is tied to factors such as the re-opening or increased permitted occupancy of more indoor venues such as restaurants, theaters and sports arenas, as well as more offices requiring workers to return in person, at least part time.

Table Monthly and Quarterly Local Sales Tax Collections by Region Report Local Sales Taxes in July-September 2021 Up 20 Percent Compared to Same Quarter in 2020

Annual Allerton Avenue Halloween Parade

The Annual Allerton Avenue Halloween Parade was delayed due to rain, but when it finally kicked off there were many ghouls who went across Allerton Avenue from Williamsbridge Road to White Plains Road, and then back to Williamsbridge Road on the other side of Allerton Avenue. 

The Mad IRS Agent was waiting outside Tax Time on Allerton Avenue for any late income tax filers

The Pope and Mad IRS Agent came by Escooter.

The Pope was called on to save one of his Angels from the Devil with a Bible, a bottle of Holy Water, and his Cross.

It seemed to be a fitting place to start a Halloween parade, under the Farenga Brothers Funeral Home sign.

Here the ghouls cross Boston Road on their way to White Plains Road.

Senator Biaggi's Week in Review: 10/25/21-10/29/21

 

Dear Community,

Election Day is almost here! This year, the Mayor, Comptroller, Public Advocate, and a number of other important city and municipal offices are up for election. Additionally, voters across the state will also have the opportunity to vote on five ballot proposals to amend the state constitution. Don’t forget to turn your ballot over and vote on these important proposals! The ballot questions are as follows: 

• Ballot Question #1: Amending the Apportionment and Redistricting Process: This proposed amendment would freeze the number of state senators at 63, amend the process for counting the state’s population, delete certain provisions that violate the U.S. Constitution, amend certain requirements for the appointment of the co-executive directors of the redistricting commission, and amend the manner of drawing district lines for congressional and state legislative offices.
• Ballot Question #2: The Right to Clean Air, Clean Water, and a Healthful Environment: The proposed amendment to Article I of the NYS Constitution would establish the right of each person to clean air, water, and a healthful environment. 
• Ballot Question #3: Eliminating 10-Day-Advance Voter Registration Requirement: The proposed amendment would delete the current requirement in Article II, § 5 that a citizen be registered to vote at least ten days before an election and would allow the legislature to enact laws permitting a citizen to register to vote less than 10 days before the election.
• Ballot Question #4: Authorizing No-Excuse Absentee Ballot Voting: The proposed amendment would delete from the current provision on absentee ballots the requirement that an absentee voter must be unable to appear at the polls by reason of absence from the country or illness or physical disability.
• Ballot Question #5: Increasing the Jurisdiction of the New York City Civil Court: The proposed amendment would increase the New York City Civil Court’s jurisdiction by allowing it to hear and decide claims for up to $50,000 instead of the current jurisdictional limit of $25,000.

In-person early voting has already begun, and will continue until October 31st. If you are unable to cast your ballot during the early voting period, head to the polls on Election Day on November 2nd. Consult the New York State elections website to look up your voter registration status and find your polling locations. 

Voting in the general election is an important way to participate in the democratic process, and with key races on the ballot this year, it is even more crucial that everyone’s voices are heard. I hope to see you all at the polls!

With Gratitude,

State Senator Alessandra Biaggi

Governor Hochul Signs Animal Welfare Legislative Package

 

Legislation S.4254/A.4075 Prohibits Insurers from Refusing to Issue or Renew, Cancel, or Charge or Impose an Increased Premium for Certain Policies Based Solely on the Breed of Dog Owned

Legislation S.5023A/A.5823-A Requires Veterinarians to Report Suspected Animal Cruelty

 Governor Kathy Hochul today signed a legislative package relating to animal welfare. Legislation S.4254/A.4075 prohibits insurers from refusing to issue or renew, cancel, or charge or impose an increased premium for certain policies based solely on the breed of dog owned. Legislation S.5023A/A.5823-A requires veterinarians to report suspected animal cruelty.

"To own a pet is a blessing and we owe it to the animals of New York to keep them safe and healthy," Governor Hochul said. "Dogs of all breeds deserve loving homes and no one should have to fear losing their insurance coverage based on the dog they own. In the same vein, veterinarians who see signs of abuse in their patients should be safeguarded so they can report said abuse to the proper authorities. I am proud to sign these bills into law to ensure the wellbeing of pets across the state."

Legislation S.4254/A.4075 prevents insurance companies from discriminating against homeowners based on the breed of the dog that they own by prohibiting insurers from canceling, refusing to issue or renew, or charging higher premiums for homeowners' insurance based on the breed of their dog. 

Legislation S.5023A/S.5823-A mandates that veterinarians report suspected animal cruelty to appropriate authorities to investigate. This legislation also protects the identity of such veterinarians and allows veterinarians to receive a copy of any report generated.  This legislation will ensure that those most likely to encounter animal cruelty and recognize its signs make timely reports to protect abused animals.  At the same time, the new law will provide protection to these veterinarians by ensuring they can make reports confidentially and maintain records of these incidents.

TAXI MEDALLION RELIEF PROGRAM SURPASSES $20 MILLION IN DEBT FORGIVENESS

 

 Mayor Bill de Blasio today announced the City’s Taxi Medallion Relief Program (MRP) has now achieved $21.4 million in debt forgiveness for 173 individual medallion owners.

More than 1,100 medallion owners have already completed appointments with the Taxi and Limousine Commission’s (TLC) Owner/Driver Resource Center, and will progress through the restructuring process in the coming weeks and months.

 

“The Medallion Relief Program is delivering justice for workers who have served our city tirelessly,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “This program has achieved extraordinary results so far – and with nearly 1,000 more drivers in the pipeline, we look froward to celebrating even more debt relief in the weeks to come. The yellow taxi sector is a part of this City’s essential fabric, and our investment in their present and future will help ensure they remain strong and whole for years to come.”

 

“The TLC is grateful for all its Licensees and that the MRP has yielded success for the first 173 Medallion Owners. We are ensuring all possible resources to complete restructured loans and/or settlements for the remaining MRP applicant pool,” said TLC Commissioner and Chair Aloysee Heredia Jarmoszuk. “Each case requires individual attention and multiple meetings, therefore, we strongly encourage all Medallion Owners in need to come forth and schedule an appointment with the TLC Driver/Owner Resource Center. We very much look forward to bringing financial relief to our deserving individual Medallion Owners in partnership with Industry stakeholders, advocates and elected officials.”

 

“What makes New York City so familiar and unique is our iconic cabs that run across our busy streets every day. These driver/owners are truly the heart of our city,” said Department of Consumer and Worker Protection Peter A. Hatch. “We are determined, along with our partners TLC and NYLAG, to connect these driver/owners with the right tools to reach financial stability. New York City isn’t the same without their resilience, tenacity, and spirit.”

 

“NYLAG is pleased to continue in these efforts to aid medallion owners/drivers in restructuring their loans and saving their medallions,” said Rose Marie Cantanno, Associate Director of Consumer Protection Unit, New York Legal Assistance Group. “We will continue the critical work of aiding yellow taxicab medallion owner/drivers as they work to save their livelihoods.”

63 Days and Counting

 I have only two months to go, and now my friends in the media are asking me when am I going back to live in person media briefings. I have my moderator choose which eight reporters I want to ask me questions, an now even they are asking me the wrong questions.

Moderator, on Monday no more questions from that reporter from 1010 WINS. Here I let her ask me questions two times a week, and she asks me when am I going back to live in person media briefings. Add her to the do not call on list I have of reporters whom I do not want to take any questions from. What's that? I now have half the media on my do not call on for a question list.

Rally for Climate, Jobs, and Justice in New York State, at Fordham Plaza

 

The late Thursday afternoon rally had over two hundred people either participating or supporting the event for Climate, Jobs, and Justice. Dozens of organizations from all over the Bronx joined forces with current or future elected officials to demand a stop to pollution, and that the government do something now to protect the environment.

Former City Council candidate Jessica Haller who ran unsuccessfully on a platform of Climate and Community Investment put this event together. The Climate and Community Investment Act (CCIA) is expected to raise Fifteen Billion Dollars per year from corporate polluters using it to create good green jobs, invest in frontline communities, and build a renewable economy for New York State. All who spoke were in favor of the CCIA, which has passed both houses of the state legislature awaiting Governor Hochul to sign it into law.

State Senator Luis Sepulveda addresses the crowd why the CCIA is so important, and why it needs to be signed into law.

Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez speaks, as Senator Sepulveda speaks to future Bronx Borough President Councilwoman Vanessa Gibson.

Assemblywoman Karines Reyes speaks as one of the sponsors of the CCIA bill in the assembly. 

Soon to be Bronx Borough President Councilwoman Vanesa Gibson speaks on the importance of passing the CCIA. In the background are assemblyman Kenny Burgos, and Future 14th City Councilwoman Pierina Sanchez, both who spoke and support the CCIA. 

A view of the crowd from behind the speakers.

Just a few of the organizations on hand for this rally.

Our Bronx People's Festival Recap

 

On behalf of the Bronx-wide Coalition, we’d like to thank everyone who was able to join us last Saturday, October 23rd for our first in-person coalition event this year, The Bronx People’s Festival. We absolutely couldn't have done it without you!

The day began with all coalition hands on deck despite some morning rain that eventually cleared and made way for plenty of sunshine and engaged Bronxites at the Mary Mitchell Family and Youth Center courtyard.

Attendees and onlookers could see, hear, and feel the excitement in the air as our coalition members and partners prepared planning, learning, healing, and civic stations for community members, along with an activity hub for children and youth.

Coalition organizations and partners were present to engage an inspiringly diverse group of Bronx residents coming together under a shared vision of advancing racial justice and economic democracy, and building community power.

The coalition also unveiled a beta version of the Bronx People's Budget Survey, an opportunity to reflect on and decide how public resources should be allocated for our borough and city. We believe that the City budget reflects a set of priorities, and we want to hear how you would allocate those resources in line with what’s important to you. Check out the survey here.   Last, but certainly not least, is that we didn’t forget all of the food, music, and culture that comes along with a festival. Amarilis Medina and Al-Aqsa Restaurant prepared our complimentary meals, the Bronx's own DJ KayKay47 provided our tunes, and a handful of local emcees, poets, performers, and speakers shared the communal microphone for the day. All while freebies and raffle prizes added further cheer throughout the celebration.