A new approach to local development by a state senator representing part of St. Lawrence County would give tax breaks to companies that can’t qualify for the governor’s Start-Up New York tax break plan.

“Our existing companies have what it takes to bring exciting, new ideas from the drawing board to the marketplace. I want to reward companies that generate great, common sense products that are a necessity and will be profitable,” said 47th District Sen. Joe Griffo (R-Rome).

“I’m looking specifically for small companies that cannot justify spinning off a separate corporate entity and trying to relocate to a Start-Up NY zone just to get the tax breaks,” Griffo, who represents the towns of Massena, Brasher, Norfolk, Stockholm, Potsdam, Pierrepont, Russell, Clifton, Fine, and Pitcairn in St. Lawrence County, plus Lewis and Oneida counties, said in a press release.

“So if you dream it here, you design it here and develop it here, I want your company to receive precisely the same tax-free treatment as any business located in a Start-Up NY area.”

Gov. Cuomo’s Start-Up NY program would allow 10 years worth of tax-free operation to a company that brings a startup to a SUNY or other college campus, or other unspecified places, in return for a guarantee of jobs.

“However, we simply cannot earmark all of our tax breaks, credits and incentives for new businesses. The strength of an economy comes from existing business, and reducing their competitiveness to new companies can result in too many good jobs being lost,” Griffo said.

The new “New Start NY” proposal includes energy tax relief for all businesses, a new relocation credit and an expanded revolving loan fund for equipment purchases, among other incentives.

“I’ll be using this six-point plan to challenge traditional thinking and come up with ways to ease the tax and regulatory burden on businesses,” Griffo said.

The senator says more details on his plan can be seen at http://griffo.nysenate.gov.