Empire zones
Jan 13, 2009
Governor David Paterson this week said he would reconsider some sweeping changes he had proposed on reforming the state's Empire zone program.
The program, uses tax breaks to lure new companies to move into the state and enable businesses already here to expand and add jobs, has been criticized by some for spending hundreds of millions of dollars without much oversight or accountability.
Paterson earlier this month sought to require that companies receiving the incentives demonstrate that they are providing $20 in wages and benefits for every $1 in tax breaks they receive. He also called for tougher eligibility requirements.
However, Paterson yesterday amended his proposal, saying that the program works well in some parts of the state, such as rural areas in upstate. He said this week he would now consider moderating his EZ reform proposal so it doesn't affect certain areas where the zone program is effective.
by daniel , Jan 17, 2009
Empire Zone Program is a State gimmick that just shifts tax dollars and ends up costing the State money. I'd lump it in with STAR and the City's public housing program.
Government has interfered in the free market to the point where it stifles growth. So Government has to create new regulations to force change where the Free Market can do it without being forced.
It's amazing how the past eight years was filled with liberals arguing the Bush administration is facist and big brother is upon us, when the principles of conservatives is less gov't and more liberty and freedom. It is the Democrats that are the Big Brothers, finding ways to pull the tax records of "Joe the Plumber" and tapping into a VPs personal email account and mandating pre-K for all children. It's not okay for gov't to listen in on my boring phone call about last night's date, but it is okay for gov't to have access to my medical files and dictate what medical options I should have (with Universal Health Care).
The Republican Party here in New York needs to start communicating the logic of policy. We have to stop pretending and be true small gov't models among the voting populous.
