New York spends considerable taxpayer money, more than $8 billion, for the purposes of improving our economy, specifically in upstate New York. While such significant focus and resources earmarked for the purpose of improving our economy could be seen by some as a welcomed commitment by Albany, it has proven to be rife with problems.
First, despite the continued influx of taxpayer money, New York continues to languish at or near the bottom of multiple business climate rankings. Second, it is anything but transparent and lacks clear metrics of success.
Despite these problems, Governor Cuomo continues to insist that this is the right strategy for New York’s economic revitalization. We strongly disagree.
Why aren’t we cutting taxes for small business instead of using small business tax dollars to promote Hollywood and provide tax-free benefits through START-UP NY?
The legislature is starting to hear our message of the problems in New York’s economic development strategy and our pushing bills that would put in place clear and reasonable reporting requirements and benchmarks measuring the success of these programs. And we strongly support.
Until Albany is held accountable, we should NOT be spending your hard earned tax dollars for these ill-advised gambits. Albany should be cutting your taxes and as taxpayers you should have a clear picture of what your tax dollars are being spent on.
Your NFIB/NY team is following this issue closely and will continue to push for a new, Main Street-centric strategy.
Mike Durant
State Director
New York