Amazon.com Inc. and Starbucks Corp. joined other companies that have vowed to fund a campaign to push for a referendum to repeal Seattle's head tax, The Seattle Times reported May 23.
The head tax was passed by the City Council on May 14, with Mayor Jenny Durkan signing it into law May 16. The council said the tax will help the city resolve homelessness.
Amazon questioned its growth in the city after the council passed the tax targeting Seattle's largest businesses. According to a report filed May 23 with Seattle's election commission, both Seattle-based companies have earmarked $25,000 for the "No Tax on Jobs" campaign.
Vulcan, Kroger, Albertsons and Seattle Hospitality Group CEO Howard Wright have also pledged $25,000 each. Other Seattle businesses including Dick's Drive-In and Uwajimaya supermarket joined companies that have made pledges.
The election commission report lists more than 40 pledges, amounting to more than $325,000.
