Amazon, Seattle Go to War Over Proposed Tax
"Amazon abruptly escalated a fight with its hometown on Wednesday, halting major expansion plans in Seattle because of a tax being considered by the City Council, reports Nick Wingfield.
The tax in question "would charge large employers in the city about $500 per employee," with the revenue going to affordable housing construction and homeless services.
According to Wingfield, the tax targets Amazon, because it applies only to companies making $20 million or more annually in taxable gross receipts. In response to the proposal, Amazon "said it would halt construction of a new building it was planning to erect downtown and reconsider occupying another that is already under construction, putting 7,000 or more jobs in jeopardy."
For local coverage, see an article in The Seattle Times.
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