Tax collections in February were a record RD$4.57 billion, up from RD$3.30 billion in February 2004. Hoy newspaper highlights that the increase is evidence of the new authorities greater efficiency and productivity in the tax collection process. It points out that the increase is more significant taking into account the appreciation of the peso. In February 2004, the exchange rate for taxing goods was RD$50-US$1, compared to the lesser RD$29-US$1 used in February 2005. Hoy newspaper’s source for the information was a Customs Department release.