Senator Sam Thomson (R-Burlington, Middlesex, Monmouth and Ocean) applauded Amazon’s decision to highlight Newark as one of the finalist locations that might host a new United States headquarters. Known as HQ2, Amazon proposes to invest $5 billion and to create up to 50,000 high-paying jobs at the new facility.

“We’ve shown that when New Jersey positions itself to be competitive, we can be a serious contender for opportunities like HQ2 that can lead to serious investment and job growth,” said Thompson. “I don’t think it’s a coincidence that Newark made it into the list of finalists for HQ2 just days after our pro-economic growth legislation was enacted.”

Thompson’s legislation, which was signed into law on January 11, provides incentives for companies to undertake transformative projects like HQ2 in the Garden State.

The measure, S-3631, provides tax credits to corporations proposing to establish headquarters in the state which would create at least 30,000 new jobs and involve a capital investment of at least $3 billion.

Newark was one of 20 finalists named by Amazon from the 238 locations that submitted proposals to host HQ2.

“We’re very excited to see Newark named a finalist, but we’re not surprised,” added Thompson. “With New Jersey’s prime geographic location, diverse workforce, convenient transportation, and top schools, there’s no reason that we shouldn’t be one of the most competitive states in the nation for HQ2 and other large-scale development projects. The enactment of our legislation is further proof that New Jersey is open and ready for business.”