STARTING -- OR STOPPING -- NY?

In New York State it always seems, sooner or later, to circle back to jobs and taxes.

As in lack of jobs, and high taxes.

So it’s no surprise that one of the state’s most highly touted job creation initiatives has been under the microscope over the past week. And – just to make it clear where I’m coming from at the outset – rightly so.

I’m talking about Start-Up NY, the roughly two-year-old initiative that offers tax-free zones to try to lure qualifying businesses to locate, relocate or expand in designated areas, mostly on or near college campuses. The attraction to a business is undeniable, and it’s expected to benefit and create jobs regionally in places like Corning Community College, Keuka College and Cornell University. That’s always positive.

But here’s the central question being raised, and it’s a legitimate one: What’s the broader benefit to state taxpayers, and workers? From the start, I expressed reservations about Start-Up NY. Namely, is it worth the money? But also, is it fair?

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