ALBANY – Chenango County representatives in Albany are among dozens of New York lawmakers firing against Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s signature jobs program, saying that the price paid for the program by taxpayers far outweighs the yielded benefits.

Several New York lawmakers on both sides of the political isle criticized the governor’s Start-Up NY program on Wednesday following multiple reports of poor results.

During a legislative hearing, elected officials called for greater transparency when it comes to economic development programs like Start-Up NY which was launched in 2013 by the Cuomo adminstration to spur jobs and entrepreneurship.

Start-Up NY promises new and expanding businesses the opportunity to operate tax-free for 10 years on or near eligible university or college campuses in New York State. Partnering with these schools gives businesses direct access to advanced research laboratories, development resources and experts in key industries.

But the program generated just 408 jobs since 2013 in spite of the $53 million the Cuomo administration paid for an advertising blitz promoting it.

While many lawmakers called for changes to the state’s handling of economic development activities this week, Start-Up NY was denounced by Republican Assemblyman Gary Finch (R-Springport) back in July when the state released reports on the program.