“Almost exactly one year ago today, a small group of progressive Majority politicians showed why our state is struggling to create jobs and share in the economic prosperity that’s sweeping the rest of the country. Today, I’m hoping to hear better solutions for growing our economy than chasing away 25,000 jobs and billions in tax revenue that we could’ve invested in our schools, hospitals, law enforcement agencies and veterans’ programs.

“Across the state, our economic development programs are promising too much and delivering too little. Across the state, our escalating property taxes are squeezing the budgets of middle-class families and seniors and prevent investors and job creators from choosing New York. Our regulations and mandates are hammering manufacturers and family farms.

“As we begin today’s hearings, I’m hopeful that we’ll hear testimony that details a new approach- government living within its means, and passing the savings on to families and small business owners who are forced to every day of the week,” said Ra.