Assemblyman Christopher S. Friend (R,C,I-Big Flats) is pleased to hear testimony from Kevin Younis, chief operating officer (COO) of Empire State Development (ESD), outlining the public corporations’ action in creating its Database of Deals during the Public Hearing on Economic Development. The database, when completed, will give the public access to see how public dollars are spent on economic development and job creation projects. Friend still contends, however, that his bill should be adopted to make the database permanent.

“I appreciate the efforts of Mr. Younis and the ESD staff to get the Database of Deals up and running. The state must take every opportunity to create transparency in spending, especially with our state’s economic development,” said Friend. “Ensuring that our public dollars are being used in the most effective and ethical manner is a priority for me. We should go even a step further and pass a law to make the database permanent. This is a great first step, and I look forward to the database’s final release.”