New York auditors say Empire State Development Corp., which provides millions of dollars in tax credits to companies that promise to expand and add jobs, has been unable to verify that many companies met their obligations.
The state comptroller's office reports finding problems like lowered job-creation goals after companies failed to meet expectations and not verifying if jobs were full-time or part-time.
Auditors examined 25 companies, concluding the agency could not produce evidence that several created positions and didn't simply shift jobs under the Excelsior Jobs Program established in 2010.
Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli says Empire State Development "needs to stop lowering the bar" and ensure the businesses aren't taking advantage of taxpayers.
Agency officials disagreed with the audit findings. Spokesmen didn't immediately reply to requests for comment Thursday.
___ Copyright 2016 The Associated Press
