Modified: July 13, 2021 8:13am
Created: July 13, 2021 5:47am
July 13, 2021
May 2021 sales tax revenue is up more than 37% from same time last year
(ERIE COUNTY, NY) – Erie County Comptroller Stefan Mychajliw’s office has released final sales tax figures for the month of May 2021. Data shows the local economy is continuing to make a comeback from the challenges posed by a worlwide pandemic.
Erie County’s share of sales tax revenue totaled $63,967,755.11 for May 2021. That is up compared to the $46,577,304.30 in sales tax collected in May 2020. This represents more than a 37% increase in sales tax revenue for May 2021 compared to the same month, last year.
“Ridiculous COVID restrictions destroyed the economy, ruined businesses and hurt families. Once lockdown rules were lifted the economy bounced back. We cannot afford to go back to the dark days of power-hungry politicians purposely clinging to power and destroying businesses. When government gets out of the way, the free market prevails and business booms. While I’m thrilled the economy is moving in the right direction, states like Florida thrived while Erie County and New York State suffered,” said Comptroller Stefan Mychajliw.
On a year-to-date basis Erie County sales tax revenue is up nearly 23% from last year. The Poloncarz Administration actually budgeted for a 4.17% decrease in sales tax revenue for 2021 over 2020.
To date, Erie County has seen a gain in sales tax revenue of $41,354,201.41 compared to the first five months of last year. So, for the entire year of 2021, with sales tax revenue receipts for January 2021 to May 2021, Erie County collected $221,472,243 in sales tax revenue county share compared to $180,118,042 for the first five months of 2020.
“Thanks to strong sales tax revenue and the federal government basically printing money, Erie County government is flush with cash. Not only is sales tax revenue bouncing back better than ever, but the feds will also wind up giving Erie County $338 million in COVID related relief. There’s no reason why Erie County cannot share revenue with ECC and ECMC to make sure law enforcement and those on the front lines of the COVID crisis receive hazard pay,” concluded Comptroller Mychajliw.
For pdf of release, click HERE
For pdf of letter to legislature, click HERE