New York State is deeply blue. That’s the color mapmakers use to show Democratic control. That’s also the state the state’s economy is in, depressed by those same Democrats’ policies.
So, to lighten the mood, Governor Andrew Cuomo is splurging $140 million tax dollars for TV ads.
One spot features actor Robert DeNiro acknowledging that “some say we lost our edge,” but then claiming, “Well, today there’s a new New York State, one that’s working to attract businesses and create jobs . . . nurture start-ups and small businesses . . . reduce tax burdens . . .”
“The new New York works for business,” the ad concludes.
The New York Times reports “the governor and lawmakers are” funding the campaign by “draining money from ostensibly independent public authorities for purposes running counter to their missions” — something “common” in state government.
Cuomo told the Times, “By telling the stories of businesses that are already succeeding in our state, we can attract even more economic opportunity and jobs.” So what are these “successes”?
- Taxpayers handing Fage Yogurt $1.5 million in state incentives to build a factory in Johnstown.
- Taxpayers providing $3.4 million to help Smith Electric Vehicles build a factory.
- Taxpayers forking over $40 million to assist BAE Systems, which was hurt by flooding back in 2011.
As much as New York politicians recognize they’ve created an environment that businesses want to move away from — the state’s taxes are the least business friendly in the union — their focus isn’t on reversing the rotten business climate. Instead, they cut insider deals.
Yes, more crony capitalism.
This is Common Sense. I’m Paul Jacob.