From mom-and-pop corner stores to medical practices to computer software start-ups, small businesses play a vital role in New York’s economy.

Nonprofit organizations, large and small, provide a multitude of services throughout New York State. Many nonprofits deliver essential services on behalf of the State and other governmental entities, including health care, social welfare, care for the disabled, education and more. 

The integral role of farming in New York State’s history, economy and quality of life is effectively enshrined in Article XIV of the State Constitution.

Debt is an essential financing tool for State and local governments. The infrastructure citizens rely on—roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, universities, housing and mass transit—is made possible through the issuance of debt.

New York State has relied far too heavily on debt for far too long. Ten years after enacting legislation to slow the growth in borrowing and end the use of debt for fiscal gimmicks, New York continues to rely heavily on debt. A

Longstanding concern over New York’s high debt levels, debt service costs, and imprudent use of borrowing led the Legislature to impose limits on State debt and enact related reforms in 2000.

Across New York State, we hear calls for investment in essential public infrastructure.

On any given day, millions of New Yorkers ride the subway or drive on public roads; public school buildings and facilities on college campuses open their doors to students across the State; essential services are provided at water plants, other environmental facilities and in homes for developmentally disabled individuals and psychiatric centers; individuals reside in publicly-supported housing; and citizens enjoy the outdoors at public parks.

Chapter 566 of the Laws of 2015, the “Enterprise Fraud, Waste and Abuse Prevention and Detection Act” (Act), codified as State Finance Law § 8-c, was enacted in December 2015 and took effect on April 19, 2016. The Act sets forth provisions for a Statewide electronic system to help detect and prevent waste, fraud, and abuse and the improper payment of public moneys.

Data analytics involves collecting, organizing and analyzing large sets of data. It can be used for many purposes. At the Office of the State Comptroller (OSC), it holds potential for building on the agency’s record of detecting and preventing fraud, waste and abuse in State government contracting and spending.