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Groups Opppose Proposed Tax Breaks To Get Amazon Headquarters In NJ

John Whiten and Erick Jedynak

Advocates for opposite sides of the political spectrum are urging New Jersey lawmakers not to approve subsides to get Amazon to consider locating its second headquarters in the state.

Jon Whiten with New Jersey Policy Perspective says offering Amazon huge subsidies distorts the state’s tax policy and economic development efforts.

“With a proposal like this and $7 billion in tax breaks we’re acting as if we’re South Dakota, we’re begging companies to come here. We’ve got a lot of other reasons for companies to want to be here.”  

Erica Jedynak with Americans for Prosperity say instead of offering potential tax breaks to attract Amazon, the state should rely on its strengths like its access to ports and freight corridors, an educated workforce, and its proximity to New York City and Philadelphia.

“The status quo of offering these tax incentives is not working and frankly it’s anti-competitive to small business owners.”

Assemblyman John Wisniewski says he expects vigorous debate about tax break plan in the lame duck session of the legislature.

“I don’t believe that government exists to underwrite the business development needs of private corporations, especially in a state like New Jersey where the state can’t underwrite the very functions that people expect it to do.”