Economic Development Group Decries Empire Zone Shutdown in Empire Page Interview

ALBANY, NY (03/01/2010)(readMedia)-- The people who are trying to attract and retain business in NYS are opposed to the early termination of the state's Empire Zone program according to Brian T. McMahon, executive director of the NYS Economic Development Council, in an exclusive interview published today on the Empire Page website.

"The Empire Zones program, which is responsible for factories being built in every corner of the state and more than 70,000 new jobs, will end on July 1, 2010," according to McMahon.

While NYSEDC agrees the Empire Zone program can be made more efficient, they are asking the Legislature to reject Gov. David Paterson's proposal to replace it with one about which many questions need to be answered.

When asked what is the biggest obstacle his members face, McMahon stated that it is the cost of doing business in NYS. "Our business tax environment is the second worse in the country: Workers Comp costs are the highest; electric costs are fourth highest; and Medicaid costs exceed California, Texas, and North Carolina COMBINED."

Changes in the Brownfield Cleanup Program and the potential closing of the Empire Zone program make it hard for economic development officials to win over business owners. "Business leaders are losing faith that a commitment made by the state of New York will be honored in the future," McMahon states.

The entire interview with Brian T. McMahon can be found in the Improving New York section of the Empire Page website.

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