COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - Debate on whether to give Amazon an exemption from collecting sales tax from in-state shoppers in exchange for 2,000 jobs continues in the South Carolina Senate.
Senators will resume the debate this morning.
They adjourned late Wednesday as debate on about 30 proposed amendments dragged on with no resolution.
Amazon is seeking a five-year exemption on collecting the tax from South Carolina customers in exchange for 2,000 full-time jobs with health benefits and at least $125 million investment through the end of 2013. The one amendment senators approved would require Amazon to maintain 1,500 jobs between 2014 and 2016. That's up from 1,000 jobs the House required.
Supporters say the state loses nothing since the company doesn't collect the tax now. Opponents say the deal is unfair to existing businesses.
