Guest ContributorA bill to continue the Arizona Commerce Authority for another four years cleared the state House of Representatives last week with broad bipartisan support and now heads to the state Senate.
HB 2417, sponsored by Rep. David Livingston (R-Peoria), passed 44-12.
The ACA is the state’s lead economic development agency and since its formation has been central to the attraction of major investments to Arizona, including TSMC, Lucid Motors, and LG Energy.
The agency was founded in 2011 by then-Gov. Jan Brewer and has been strongly supported for more than a decade by governors of both parties and successive Republican-controlled legislatures.
State Rep. Justin Wilmeth (R-Phoenix), touted the ACA’s accomplishments and reminded his fellow legislators of the agency’s contributions to the state’s prosperity.
“The ACA has helped to increase workforce growth by 28% and add $5 billion into the state’s general fund revenue over that time. It’s helped to create approximately 272,000 jobs and has yielded a capital investment of $115 billion into Arizona,” he said. “These are all numbers every member should be proud of and make note of because I guarantee you that those who will vote for you will laud you for supporting their family’s ability to thrive and survive here.”
Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry Vice President of Government Relations Courtney Coolidge said she was pleased to see such strong support for the legislation.
“Lawmakers from both parties understand how important the ACA is to the state’s economic success,” she said. “We look forward to discussing with senators the critical role the ACA plays in strengthening Arizona’s competitive standing and in positioning the state to continue to win more jobs.”
Joseph Kavetsky
Danny Seiden
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