Today, Assemblyman Karl Brabenec (R,C,I-Deerpark) criticized Gov. Cuomo’s $200 million attempt to attract new businesses to New York State. The national advertising campaign, known as START-UP NY, ran ads across the country that were frequently played in New York in the months leading up to Cuomo’s re-election last year. A recent audit by state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli revealed the expensive ad campaign created very few new jobs, and the prospect of future START-UP NY businesses is bleak. Cuomo and members of his administration had previously stated in numerous interviews and public appearances that START-UP NY would cost the state almost nothing.

“It’s no wonder New Yorkers pay the highest taxes in the nation, what with millions of taxpayer dollars constantly being funneled to programs like START-UP NY,” said Brabenec. “This audit proves what I have suspected since last year: Gov. Cuomo has been funneling taxpayer dollars for the sole purpose of increasing his name ID for re-election and an eventual presidential run.

“Getting New Yorkers back to work should always be a top priority, but in this case, the cost is too high. We need to focus on cutting spending and passing on that savings to the hardworking, middle-class families of New York. Gimmicks that pick winners and losers in this economy are nothing new to this administration, but giving tax breaks to some and not others does not foster a healthy and strong economic climate.”