Statement From Senator Sean Ryan On Proposed Bed Tax In Buffalo

ALBANY – Today, June 6, 2024, New York State Senator Sean Ryan released the following statement regarding the 5% hotel occupancy tax proposed in the City of Buffalo’s 2024-25 budget:

“The looming fiscal crisis facing the City of Buffalo is the product of years of short-term fixes where sustainable revenue generation methods were needed. Balancing the budget on speculative revenue sources is not a sustainable long-term plan.

The proposal faces intense opposition from major stakeholders in the hospitality and tourism industry, and for good reason. Adding another 5% onto the countywide occupancy tax would create the third-highest bed tax in the nation just in time for the busy travel season. This additional cost would put Buffalo hotels at a competitive disadvantage and drive tourists to hotels outside of the city. It is a recipe for disaster for a city whose tourism numbers are just now recovering from the pandemic.

The City needs to go back to the drawing board and engage all stakeholders. More importantly, we need to make sure we’re not putting another Band-Aid on a city budget that requires more strategic solutions. I will not be advancing a new bed tax in the State Senate this year.”