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鈥檚 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鈥檚 accomplishments and reminded his fellow legislators of the agency鈥檚 contributions to the state鈥檚 prosperity.
鈥淭he ACA has helped to increase workforce growth by 28% and add $5 billion into the state’s general fund revenue over that time. It鈥檚 helped to create approximately 272,000 jobs and has yielded a capital investment of $115 billion into Arizona,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hese 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鈥檚 ability to thrive and survive here.鈥�
Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry Vice President of Government Relations Courtney Coolidge said she was pleased to see such strong support for the legislation.
鈥淟awmakers from both parties understand how important the ACA is to the state鈥檚 economic success,鈥� she said. 鈥淲e look forward to discussing with senators the critical role the ACA plays in strengthening Arizona鈥檚 competitive standing and in positioning the state to continue to win more jobs.鈥�
Joseph Kavetsky
Noemi Santaella
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