ALBANY... NYGOP Chair Ed Cox today called on the Cuomo administration to release data demonstrating that the "Start Up NY" program has created significant interest amongst out-of-state businesses in relocating to New York, after Capital New York reported last week that the Cuomo administration has spent over $15 million on ads touting the program.

60% of the ads have appeared out of state, and advertise a New York that various independent ratings have named the highest taxed, most regulated, least economically free, least business-friendly state in America.

"Andrew Cuomo has spent millions of taxpayer dollars on an ad campaign that farcically claims that the least-business friendly state in America is 'open for business,'" said Cox.

"Governor Cuomo must demonstrate that taxpayers' money isn't going to waste by releasing data on inquiries from companies that are interested in relocating to New York.

"Otherwise, the Start Up NY program and its accompanying ad campaign must be dismissed as the election year gimmicks that they are, and Andrew Cuomo must reimburse taxpayers from his campaign account. It's time for Andrew Cuomo to put up or shut up."