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DiNapoli: Local Sales Tax Collections Up 21% in First Quarter of 2022

Local government sales tax collections grew by 21.1%, or $901 million, in the first quarter of 2022 compared to the same period last year, according to a report released today by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. Collections for the three-month period totaled nearly $5.2 billion, with growth at least partially driven by inflation, which hit a 40-year-high in March.

New York State Comptroller DiNapoli on NYC Executive Budget

“New York City released its Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Executive Budget today, totaling $99.7 billion, allocating funds to newly announced agency initiatives and addressing a number of risks in the budget.

"The city’s short-term finances have improved dramatically from budget adoption and still has room to improve before the end of the year.

Annual Update: Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s Debt Profile, April 2022

Despite unprecedented federal aid, the MTA is still faced with determining how it will close its budget gaps in the future. If riders do not return faster than the MTA projects, or if new sources of revenue are not found, rising debt payments could force the MTA to close future budget gaps through service cuts, greater than planned fare hikes, or delays to critical capital projects.

DiNapoli: Debt Adding to MTA's Financial Pressures With Riders and Fare Revenue Slow to Return

Despite unprecedented federal aid and better-than-expected state tax revenues, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) continues to plan to use borrowing techniques that push difficult financial decisions into the future and could leave less money to pay for services, according to New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli’s annual report on the MTA’s debt.

DiNapoli Op-Ed in Crain's New York Business

Crain’s New York Business published an op-ed from New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli today on the need for greater transparency and accountability in budgeting for the use of federal relief funds. The full op-ed is below:

What Are New Yorkers Getting From Federal Covid Relief Funds?

The new state budget reflects robust tax revenue growth and an unprecedented infusion of federal money.

DiNapoli: Inflation in NYC Metro Area Up 6.1% in March, Growing at Highest Rate in 30 Years

Recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates consumer prices grew by 6.1% in the New York City Metropolitan Area in March 2022 compared to the same month one year ago, driven by double-digit increases in the costs of energy and transportation. Despite lagging inflation growth nationally and in other large metro areas, NYC metro area price increases appear poised to outstrip earnings growth.

Inflation in the New York City Metropolitan Area, April 2022

Accelerating consumer price increases beginning in the spring of 2021 have led to the highest inflation rate in 30 years in the New York City Metropolitan Area. Consumer spending habits have already shifted, and persistent inflation on essential household items, such as housing and food, will limit purchasing power and squeeze household budgets absent stronger wage growth.