RUIZ STATEMENT ON STATE ENDORSEMENT OF NEWARK’S BID FOR AMAZON

TRENTON – Senator M. Teresa Ruiz (D-Essex) issued the following statement today on the announcement that the state has endorsed the City of Newark’s proposal in New Jersey’s bid to host Amazon’s next headquarters in North America:

“I want to thank the governor and his administration for engaging in the bid for Amazon and for their commitment to ensuring that our state is competitive in this process. Hosting Amazon would be a huge win for our city, but it would benefit the entire state, creating tens of thousands of jobs, generating billions in investment and contributing significantly to our economy.

“I am thrilled the state has endorsed Newark’s proposal in its bid to host Amazon’s next headquarters. The City of Newark has all the elements to not only meet, but exceed Amazon’s needs as it grows its operations.

“We are a unique tech hub, and hold the distinction as having the fastest Internet in the country. We have access to the top professional talent in the world, a robust transportation network, an array of top-tier universities and are home to major corporate partners. Newark is also the arts mecca of the state.

“Our city is at a turning point and is experiencing a residential and commercial development boom, and we are poised to embrace the next venture that will take our city to the next level. We are the perfect fit to serve as Seattle’s counterpart in hosting Amazon’s new headquarters and we have elected officials at all levels that are committed to its success. I look forward to working with all of our partners to make our city the home of Amazon HQ2.”