Starbucks Cuts 61 Seattle Jobs as Howard Schultz Blasts 9.9% Millionaire Tax

5 articles · Updated · Fox News · May 12

Starbucks laid off 61 employees at its Seattle headquarters Monday, with the cuts tied to a reorganization of its technology department.
Howard Schultz used a Wall Street Journal op-ed to attack Mayor Katie Wilson, saying her "socialist rhetoric" vilifies employers and warning Washington is leaning on taxation over growth.
Schultz, who moved to Florida this year after nearly 50 years in Washington, pointed to Seattle's 10.55% sales tax, the new 9.9% tax on households earning more than $1 million, and public-safety concerns as drivers of business flight.
Starbucks has already said it will close five more Seattle stores, while Schultz said Amazon, Microsoft and Starbucks are all reducing their local footprint or shifting roles elsewhere.
A recent Association of Washington Business survey found 44% of business leaders are considering moving out of state, underscoring broader concern about Seattle's job and revenue outlook.

With its new millionaire tax, can Seattle improve services faster than its wealthiest taxpayers flee to other states?

As Seattle's office vacancy soars past 30%, how can the city reinvent its downtown core to survive the corporate exodus?