Assemblyman Chris Friend (R,C,I – Big Flats) is condemning the state’s decision to push back a mandatory report on Gov. Cuomo’s controversial START-UP NY Program. A report was due on December 31, 2014, but has been rescheduled to April 1, 2015, after the budget has been agreed upon and voted on.

“This report is required by law,” said Friend. “The governor owes us a transparent roll-out of this program that has a great potential for fraud. How many jobs are actually being created? Are politically-connected businesses receiving these special in-state tax shelters? Gov. Cuomo doesn’t just owe the legislature these answers; he owes the people of New York these answers. He’s passed over the Southern Tier on economy-boosting hydrofracking and casino decisions. We have a right to know what the strategy is here.

“Small businesses that have been here for years and continue to swim against the current of high taxes and boundless regulation deserve and need help, too,” Friend continued. “New York continues to be listed at the bottom of business friendliness surveys. It isn’t just about helping new business come to New York; it’s also about helping those who are struggling now.”