Andrew Cuomo's Job Creation Program Hasn't Resulted in Many Jobs

In May 2013, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced a program he promised would “supercharge” the state’s economy and take job creation efforts to a level never seen before. He poured tens of millions of dollars into advertising to push the program, Start-Up New York. In its first full year of operation, the effort created fewer than 100 jobs. It has, however, attracted entrepreneurs like Brian Heidel, the self-described dung beetle of the mining industry.

Mr. Heidel has big plans for his company, Mid-Island Aggregates Distribution, which recycles mining waste. He and his three employees, one of whom is his wife, are set to move from Connecticut to New York. The company plans to create at least five jobs and invest $1.5 million.

The pitch for the program, Mr. Heidel said, was irresistible. As the ads for Start-Up New York say, “Move here, expand here or start a new business here and pay no taxes for 10 years.”

Only 54 businesses were given the go-ahead in 2014 to begin operating under the program. Of those, 30 started operating, creating a total of 76 new jobs.