ALBANY, NEW YORK (BNO NEWS) – EmpireStat: Running State Government by the Numbers, an innovative data-driven system for improving government performance and efficiency will be launched in New York, Governor David Paterson announced on Wednesday.

The EmpireStat program uses current information technology (IT) services, data systems and face-to-face public meetings between the Governor’s staff and agency heads to monitor and improve State agency performances.

“The economic and fiscal crisis has made one thing perfectly clear – business as usual in State government is not acceptable, which is why I have made it a priority to hold our government to a high level of accountability, performance and efficiency,” Governor Paterson said.

EmpireStat will monitor on an ongoing basis specific government programs for improvement in achieving their goals. It will start with improving fur areas: Economic Development/Job Creation; Public Safety; Road Safety; and Health Care and Vulnerable Youth.

“Through EmpireStat, we can see if we are spending taxpayer dollars on programs that are actually working. This approach will significantly improve the past practice of yearly budget increases without asking questions about how we are performing,” Governor Paterson added.

The entire web-based program and regular performance reports will be available at the Governor’s Office of Taxpayer Accountability website.