[New] Initiative to suspend sales tax on energy costs now in effect

Westchester County Executive George Latimer is reminding residents to check their heating bill almost a month in to his initiative to suspend sales tax collection on home energy costs from December 1-February 28. The sales tax suspension covers home heating oil, propane, natural gas, electric, coal and wood for residential heating purposes and covers homeowners as well as rental units.

Latimer said: “Westchester County Government is constantly looking to find ways to make the lives of residents a little easier. This winter, heating your home will now cost you a little less. As we all face rising costs in our daily lives, this suspension of certain sales tax will add extra dollars to the wallets of those who call Westchester home.”

The County portion is 4% however, residents of Mount Vernon, New Rochelle, White Plains and Yonkers will see a reduction of 1.5% as these cities have their own sales tax.

Landlords and renters will be eligible depending on the structure of the unit’s heat and electric use. The initiative is administered by the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance; the vendors will not be assessing sales tax as directed by the

State. The sales tax will automatically be taken off the bill.

Latimer said: “If you see you are being charged Westchester County sales tax for any home energy item starting December 1 please contact the County right away at (914) 995-2900.”

This measure is in addition to the myriad of actions taken by the Latimer Administration and the Board of Legislators to combat rising inflationary costs nationwide. Those actions include the capping of sales tax on gasoline purchases, waiving of fees at certain parks and pools and – most notably – suspending fares on Bee-Line buses.

“As we head into the new year, I urge everyone to remain vigilant and continue to use all available tools to keep themselves, their loved ones and their communities safe and healthy,” Hochul said. “Stay up to date on vaccine doses, and test before and after gatherings or travel. If you test positive, talk to your doctor about potential treatment options.”

Governor Hochul is urging New Yorkers to take common prevention measures — like staying up to date on vaccines and practicing proper hygiene — to protect from Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), the flu and COVID-19 and reduce the patient burden on local hospitals. The Governor recently updated New Yorkers on the state’s winter health preparedness efforts.

Last week, the New York State Department of Health announced new guidance for bivalent COVID-19 booster doses, which are now available for eligible children down to 6 months of age. The updated boosters are the first to be targeted to the original virus strain and recently circulating variants, and are recommended for young New Yorkers and all those eligible.

As flu cases continue to climb across much of the State, the New York State Department of Health recently reminded New Yorkers to take preventive action, including getting a flu shot. A new report shows cases remain very

Emergency department visits for patients with flu-like symptoms remain very high. The Department’s most recent influenza surveillance report also found 79 lab-confirmed outbreaks in longterm and acute care facilities in the State for the same week.

Governor Hochul previously launched a public awareness campaign featuring New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett speaking directly to New Yorkers about the three viruses now circulating in the state with similar symptoms and the potential to cause serious illness. Produced by the New York State Department of Health, the videos include a short clip and a longer version geared toward parents; and a version aimed specifically at health care providers.

The governor also asked New Yorkers to get their bivalent COVID-19 vaccine boosters. To schedule an appointment for a booster, New Yorkers should contact their local pharmacy, county health department, or healthcare provider; visit vaccines.gov; text their ZIP code to 438829, or call 1-800-232-0233 to find nearby locations.

In addition, Hochul encourages New Yorkers to get their annual flu vaccine as flu season is widespread across New York State. The flu virus and the virus that causes COVID-19 are both circulating, so getting vaccinated against both is the best way to stay healthy and to avoid added stress to the health care system.