Last week, I wrote about legislation that I cosponsor which would require annual reports to be delivered to the state by businesses using START-UP NY benefits. With the news that has emerged this week regarding the comptroller and Empire State Development Corp. (ESD), this week’s column could be seen as a follow-up, or “Part 2,” to what was written last week.

On Wednesday, New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli heavily criticized the governor and the economic arm of his administration, the ESD, for breaking the law and failing to follow annual report protocol. According to the audit, ESD had failed to release performance outcome reports for several businesses utilizing START-UP NY between 2012 and 2016. It was also revealed that 17 other economic programs, which utilized the benefits of START-UP NY, were never even reviewed and allowed to operate without oversight.

While ESD disputes the audit conducted by the comptroller, this news should be troubling for every taxpaying New Yorker. The governor and his administration have used millions of dollars to incentivize businesses to locate in New York, providing tax breaks and cut-rate deals in order to attract new and thriving businesses to our state. The recent news only justifies why we can no longer trust Gov. Cuomo and his administration with any amount of our hard-earned money.

The rumor was that the governor just “forgot” about including the annual report requirements for START-UP NY businesses, but not for one second did I believe that. Unfortunately, it looks like I am justified in my belief, and I feel reinstating the annual report law is not enough. Someone at ESD must be held accountable for the lack of transparency and willingness to comply with state law. Either they willfully ignored the requirements, or they are unable to perform the duty of the job correctly. In either case, it is unacceptable.

The taxpayers of this state are the only ones who can stand up to our governor and say they have had enough of his misguided and failing policies. If you have any questions regarding START-UP NY or any other matter, please contact me by emailing blankenbushk@nyassembly.gov or by calling my office at 315-493-3909.