Richmond, VA—Virginia's total general
fund revenue collections fell by 0.7 percent in September, according to data
released by Governor Bob McDonnel's office Thursday.
The main reasons for the decline were a decline in corporate
income tax receipts, and two fewer deposit days than in September 2011.
Corporate income tax collections fell by 17.7 percent.
September is traditionally a significant month for corporate income tax
collection, since the first estimated payment for the fiscal year is due.
Net individual income tax collections rose by 2.7 percent,
and sales tax collections rose 3.6 percent. To date, total revenue collections
for 2012 rose 1.3 percent through September, shy of the annual growth forecast
of 2.9 percent.
Governor McDonnell cites a weakened economy and slow job
growth in a statement about the findings; read his full remarks below:
"September's decline in revenue is a stark reminder of the
tenuous recovery our nation and our Commonwealth is undergoing. While Virginia continues to
fare better than most other states in this difficult economy, we must remain
vigilant in our efforts to encourage business investment and job growth, and
foster economic activity whenever possible," said Governor McDonnell. "We
must keep taxes low, streamline regulations, and put in place policies that
help the private sector to help get our economy back on track. More than
250,000 Virginians are still out of work—an unacceptable statistic that hits
home throughout the state. Uncertainty on the federal level—especially in terms
of the future of our national defense budget—only adds to this insecurity and
makes our recovery more fragile. We continue to contend with federal policies
that are detrimental to private-sector job creation and which continue to make
any recovery more difficult. We need to take every possible step to help the
private sector grow and expand and innovate, and in the process create more
good-paying jobs for our citizens. That is how we will get Virginians back to
work."
For more information about the State of Virginia's September 2012 revenue
statistics, visit here.
Copyright 2012 by
Young Broadcasting of Richmond
