AMAZON’S AUSTIN ANNOUNCEMENT SHOWS HOW THE COMPANY DUPED VIRGINIA TO HANDOUT TAXPAYER DOLLARS

 

Date: March 29, 2019
Contact: mediacenter@freeandfairmarketsinitiative.org

AMAZON’S AUSTIN ANNOUNCEMENT SHOWS HOW THE COMPANY DUPED VIRGINIA TO HANDOUT TAXPAYER DOLLARS

Shot: Virginia lawmakers rolled out the red carpet for Amazon’s second headquarters, which cost them more than $750 million in taxpayer dollars to woo the company…

“The Virginia House spent just nine minutes in debate Monday before voting overwhelmingly to give Amazon up to $750 million in subsidies over 15 years for the company’s planned headquarters facility in Arlington.” (The Washington Post, “Virginia House approves $750 million in Amazon subsidies after 9 minutes of debate.,” Robert McCartney, 1.28.19)

Chaser: …While Amazon announced it would be expanding development in Austin without any subsidies, providing a clear snapshot into how the company is pitting cities against one another.

“Adding to its already significant Austin presence, retail giant Amazon.com will add 800 tech-focused jobs at its hub in North Austin, company representatives told the American-Statesman.

…Amazon will not receive any financial incentives from the state or from local governments to open the new facility, according to the Greater Austin of Chamber of Commerce.” (Austin American-Statesman, “Amazon plans Austin expansion that will add 800 jobs,” Sebastian Herrera, 3.28.19)

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