New York politicians push back projects of Amazon HQ2 – TechCrunch



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Amazon's HQ2 process was inevitably polarized (though I appreciate a good dueling editorial on these pages), regardless of the landing process. But the decision to settle in New York is likely to pluck more feathers than any other possible outcome.

As a resident of the nearby city of Astoria, Queens, the less I say what's happening, the better – I'll assume you did not click on this story to read five paragraphs of my complaint about the N train and my rent. I'm going I have not talked to too many fellow NYC residents enthusiastic about the personal impact of the Amazon movement on quality of life.

A number of local and state representatives are finally beginning to intervene, and many of the comments do not reflect the kind of capitalist cheerleader that is expected from elected officials. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand spoke to Twitter expressing her "concern" about how the process unfolded.

Blue Dog Democrat (who had already won his last Senate candidacy a few weeks ago) emphasizes Amazon's tax breaks, as well as the impact on families in difficulty, by writing: "L & # 39; One of the richest companies in history should not be receiving taxpayer financial assistance while too many New York families are struggling to make ends meet. "

Member of the New York Assembly Ron Kim took things further, promising legislation to use tax subsidies to help cancel student debt, rather than supporting Amazon. This is a decision that reflects Bernie Sanders' recent offer to offer Amazon warehouse employees a minimum wage of $ 15.

Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez expressed her support for Kim and expressed her own disappointment at a deal negotiated without community participation.

"Amazon is a billion dollar company," wrote Ocasio-Cortez. "The idea of ​​benefiting from hundreds of millions of dollars in tax breaks as our metro collapses and our communities need MORE investment, not less, worries residents immensely." d & # 39; here. "

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