LEXINGTON COUNTY (AP) -- COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - A conservative policy group said the public is being cut out of the discussion on a sales tax break for a South Carolina warehouse planned by online retail giant Amazon.com.
South Carolina Policy Council president Ashley Landess said the Senate Finance Committee meeting Tuesday does not give the public ample notice or opportunity to be heard on the issue.
South Carolina's Commerce Department had promised Amazon wouldn't have to collect sales taxes on goods sold in South Carolina as part of a deal to get the company to hire more than 1,200 people at a new facility in Lexington County. Amazon says it will scuttle its plans if it doesn't get the tax break.
Landess' group opposes such tax breaks as giving companies an unfair advantage over established retailers.
What do you think? Should Amazon.com be given tax breaks to ensure the company brings jobs to Lexington County? Or will it cause long-term damage to local retailers? Leave your thoughts below.
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