Amazon, Microsoft back tax to fight Seattle-area homelessness

In a statement on Feb 4, Amazon, Microsoft and other big Seattle-area companies acknowledged the severity of the homelessness crisis. — AFP

In the United States, Amazon.com Inc, Microsoft Corp, Costco Wholesale Corp and other big Seattle-area companies expressed support for a proposed business tax to combat the region’s homelessness crisis.

A Washington State bill released last week would authorise King County, home to Seattle and the headquarters of those companies, to impose a levy on big businesses with employees who make more than US$150,000 (RM617,703) a year. The new revenue would be earmarked for affordable housing, homelessness services and public safety.