Empire State Today

New York State Director Ashley Ranslow discussed the state's low sales tax revenue with the Albany Times Union. The decline is attributed to reduced consumer spending, a result of persistent inflation.

"Inflation began to hit consumers hard in recent years and hasn’t let up much since. That’s forced consumers to make difficult choices that’s often led to a restraint on spending," Ranslow explained. She added, "Keep in mind, these counties are down [in sales tax revenue] and with higher prices. I think the toll of inflation, you’re really starting to see that now…There is a lot of uncertainty, particularly among small business owners and a lot of pessimism."

Ranslow concluded by expressing concern about the future: "I think everyone feels like they don’t know what’s going to happen next."