Chamber to Oppose HB 1249

After evaluating the economic impact of House Bill 1249 (HB 1249) introduced by Representative Collins, the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce agrees with Chancellor Steinmetz, Mayor Lioneld Jordan, and Fayetteville’s Chief of Police that the bill should not pass.

The Chamber has become aware of students planning on enrolling at the U of A, but have stated they will not if the bill were to be enacted. The economic impact of this bill on the business community would be significant if the bill discourages students from enrolling at our University. Fewer students impacts our economy and the loss of local students means we will lose future skilled workers when our region is focusing now on increasing the number of skilled workers moving to our region.

We believe it is in the best interest of our members and the business community in Fayetteville to oppose the adoption of HB 1249.