AFP-NJ Responds to Amazon’s List of 20

Jan 18, 2018 by AFP

Newark makes the list

TRENTON, N.J. – Americans for Prosperity-New Jersey (AFP-NJ) on Thursday responded to Amazon’s announcement it has narrowed its list of HQ2 candidates to 20 metropolitan areas, including Newark. AFP-NJ has consistently opposed tax handouts and other corporate welfare schemes that reduce competition and give unfair advantages to the powerful and well-connected.

AFP-NJ State Director Erica Jedynak issued the following statement:

“It’s no surprise Amazon is considering Newark, after our state offered the largest corporate welfare proposal in America. If Newark is chosen Amazon will get a big win with a highly educated workforce and $5 billion in incentives, but New Jersey taxpayers will be on the losing end of the deal. With some of the highest property taxes and largest pension liabilities already, New Jersey simply cannot afford to hand out five billion of our hard-earned tax dollars to a single corporation. Imagine what $5 billion could look like in property tax relief for its residents.

Moreover, New Jersey has incredible potential with its location between New York City and Philadelphia, proximity to major financial and pharmaceutical hubs, and a highly educated workforce. If New Jersey lawmakers were serious about attracting business, they should reform the state’s burdensome tax climate.”

Background:

Americans for Prosperity-New Jersey (AFP-NJ) recently organized a press conference with the New Jersey Policy Perspective (NJPP) to express opposition to New Jersey’s offer of $5 billion in tax incentives to lure Amazon to Newark.

Fox Business | AFP’s Erica Jedynak on Making Money with Charles Payne

Montclair Patch | Race To The Bottom: NJ’s Quest For Amazon HQ Is ‘Insane,’ Critics Say

New Jersey 101.5 | Right and left ally to bash idea of $7B in tax breaks for Amazon

POLITICO’s New Jersey Playbook | AMAZON offer criticized by liberal and conservative group

New Jersey – The Record | Liberal, conservative groups unite to oppose Amazon tax breaks

NJTV News | Unlikely forces join to denounce NJ tax incentives for Amazon HQ2

New Jersey Spotlight | Unlikely Partners Say $7B Amazon Sweetener Not Worth It To NJ

Burlington County Times | $7B Amazon tax package unites left, right groups

New Jersey Observer | NJ Politics Digest: Witness Casts Doubt on Menendez ‘Threat’ Claim

For further information or an interview, reach Lorenz Isidro at LIsidro@afphq.org or (703) 887-7724.

Americans for Prosperity (AFP) exists to recruit, educate, and mobilize citizens in support of the policies and goals of a free society at the local, state, and federal level, helping every American live their dream – especially the least fortunate. AFP has more than 3.2 million activists across the nation, a local infrastructure that includes 36 state chapters, and has received financial support from more than 100,000 Americans in all 50 states. For more information, visit www.americansforprosperity.org

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