State Assembly Republicans say New York has poured tens-of-millions of dollars into corrupt economic development programs that haven’t delivered on their promises.
They’re proposing reforms that would establish an advisory committee over economic development plans; require transparency on where money is going and who decides that; and withholding the pay of the governor and other officials if those reporting requirements aren’t met.
Assemblyman Steve Hawley of Batavia says programs like START-UP NY and the I Love NY signs that turned out to be illegal by federal highway standards show a need for stricter auditing and oversight. He says the programs have fallen victim to bid rigging and haven’t created the number of jobs they promised.
Hawley says these programs have been a disgrace and an abuse of taxpayer dollars.