“Economic development is vitally important for New York’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and economic future, but it’s essential that we’re using limited state resources efficiently to have the greatest impact. That’s why it was important to ensure our final spending plan also included language from a bill I co-sponsored to establish a searchable state subsidy and economic development benefits database (A.8325).

“The ‘Database of Deals’ will include all benefits approved or awarded by Empire State Development (ESD) and the state Department of Economic Development and provide a host of information. This includes employment and job retention data as well as benefit type, total public-private investment amount and information on compliance and enforcement actions. There will also be dedicated email accounts for New Yorkers to ask questions and get access to specific ESD contracts or contracts from other state agencies. ESD must provide quarterly reports on database usage, and the expanded list is expected to be compiled over the course of 12 months.

I’ll continue working throughout the 2022 legislative session to advance additional legislation to help restore accountability to the economic develop process and enhance transparency in government spending.”