South Carolina approves Amazon deal

New York City -- South Carolina legislators gave final approval Wednesday to a deal bringing Amazon.com and its promise of 2,000 jobs to the state, the Associated Press reported.



The House voted 90-14 to approve a compromise brokered last week in the Senate, sending the measure to Gov. Nikki Haley's desk.



Haley opposes the measure but has repeatedly said she won't veto it. The Republican governor has called it bad policy that's unfair to retailers that collect the tax. If not signed or vetoed, the bill would become law after five days.



The deal gives Amazon a five-year exemption from collecting sales taxes from South Carolina's online shoppers. In return, the online retailer must create the full-time jobs with health benefits and invest at least $125 million through the end of 2013.



Amazon's plans to open a one million-sq.-ft. facility in Lexington County are expected to create thousands of spin-off jobs, including in shipping at the nearby airport and United Parcel Service hub.