PRESS RELEASE: Yonkers Legislator Jenkins Responds to Westchester Economic Regression and Sales Tax

YONKERS, NY — May 15, 2017 — Ken Jenkins, candidate for County Executive, responds to newest County sales tax collection numbers.

“Westchester’s economy is taking a huge hit,” said Jenkins. “Astorino’s budgetary tricks are hitting us again. Because of the overinflated sales tax revenue projection in this year’s budget, we are again in danger of dipping into our discretionary fund or having to borrow to cover yet another budget hole.”

Westchester’s sales tax growth is between 0 and 1%. This fiscal year’s second quarter was a regression from the first, where we were at a 1% growth. Right now, we are experiencing a 4% decrease in sales tax collection over this year.

“Our growth is not keeping up with our sales tax collection,” said Jenkins.

“Once again, Astorino’s mismanagement is having disastrous consequences on Westchester’s credit rating. Astorino’s inability to construct a budget that will not fall apart continues to be a drain on Westchester’s resources.”

Astorino’s 2017 budget put a huge emphasis on sales tax revenue as a way to balance the budget without raising the County tax levy. Since the sales tax revenue is well below what was originally projected, the budgeted funds to run the government are just not there.

“Astorino’s tricks have been driving down our credit rating,” said Jenkins. “His tactics have made it more and more difficult for companies to invest in Westchester. During his term, he has made little effort to stimulate the economy or create good jobs for our people. Westchester’s economy cannot continue to take this kind of mismanagement.”