Maryland legislators on Wednesday approved the biggest incentive package, by far, in the state’s history, part of an effort worth up to $8.5 billion to lure Amazon to Montgomery County to build its second headquarters.
Backers of the plan, proposed by Gov. Larry Hogan (R), said it was too good an opportunity to pass up.
“It’s a no-brainer,” said Del. Robert B. Long (R-Baltimore County).
The 79-to-59 House vote followed a lengthy debate about whether the state should provide such an unprecedented package to one company. The Senate voted 35 to 11 last month to approve the measure. It will now go to Hogan for his signature.
Opponents said the state shouldn’t compete with others to see which can give giant corporations the biggest break.
“Amazon is getting the gold mine and we’re getting the shaft,” said Del. Herbert H. McMillan (R-Anne Arundel), describing the package as “corporate welfare.”