Contact: Mike Fraser, office: (518) 455-3751/cell: (518) 859-8518
Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,C,I,Ref-Canandaigua) today issued the following statement on the findings of an audit by State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, Compliance With Outcome Reporting Requirements, which reviewed the reporting performance of Empire State Development (ESD):
"The comptroller's report raises serious questions about the effectiveness and transparency of state-run economic development programs. Even after investigations and underwhelming results, the state's job-creation agency still disregards basic requirements to inform the public. We need a dramatic change and a genuine commitment to transparency.
The Assembly Minority has repeatedly called for reform and it's time Albany takes action. Last year we proposed legislation to facilitate stronger oversight, implement penalties for missed reporting deadlines, and conduct an independent review of all state-run development programs. The comptroller's report proves that these reforms have never been more necessary."
The Assembly Minority's economic development reforms can be viewed here.
The comptroller's audit can be viewed here.