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Study: As Amazon Seeks Tax Breaks, Some Of It's Ohio Workers Get Food Stamps

A new study by the progressive-leaning think tank Policy Matters Ohio shows one in ten Amazon employees or family members in the state received food stamp benefits in August of last year. 

The study comes as the online retailer seeks tax breaks from states and cities for a second headquarters. The retailer has also received tax breaks to expand it's Ohio operations. Policy Matters Ohio spokesperson Zach Schiller says after not making the list, Amazon is now ranked 19th among Ohio employers for the number of workers getting public assistance. 

Amazon has not commented on the study. More than 15 states and cities, including Chicago, Cleveland and Las Vegas, have turned down requests from the Associated Press to detail the tax breaks they have offered to land the  facility. Columbus released responsive records, and Cincinnati continues to process AP's request. Many say they don't want their competitors to know what they're offering. Schiller says the Cleveland Clinic, Kroger and Walmart are among the other major businesses with large numbers of employees receiving food stamps. Amazon employs an estimated six thousand Ohioans. 

Jim has been with WCBE since 1996. Before that he worked as a reporter at another Columbus radio station, and for three newspapers in Southwest Florida.
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