Amazon is a great company. It is innovative, sells products at competitive prices, and makes shopping more convenient. Unfortunately, it is a big time crony and relies on taxpayers to cultivate and grow its juggernaut operations.
This week, it was announced that Amazon’s HQ2 will be separated into two spaces, one in Long Island and the other just outside of Washington.
Despite being one of the world’s richest companies, New York will offer incentives of $1.525 billion and a cash grant of $325 million. This is equal to about $61,000 per New York taxpayer.
Virginia isn’t expected to spend nearly as much, with taxpayers chipping in $32,000. But Amazon likely isn’t being munificent in this regard. Jeff Bezos wants to have access to those in power, and operating in the state affords them that opportunity.
New York City Council speaker Corey Johnson made a good point:
“Amazon is one of the richest companies in the world…I also don’t understand why a company as rich as Amazon would need nearly $2 billion in public money for its expansion plans at a time when New York desperately needs money for affordable housing, transportation, infrastructure and education.”
But Governor Andrew Cuomo disagrees, arguing that its return on investment (ROI) will be nine to one.
What does Buck Schwartzmore have to say about this? He offered sex, drugs, and a football team!
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