SB 1611: Will It Hurt Arizona's Economy?

Updated: Wednesday, 23 Feb 2011, 5:24 PM MST
Published : Wednesday, 23 Feb 2011, 5:22 PM MST
By STEVE KRAFFT
FOX 10 News

PHOENIX - It's a battle between Chamber of Commerce Republicans and social conservatives. Traditionally, they work together, but now they're split over immigration.

On Wednesday, Governor Jan Brewer cut the ceremonial ribbon at PayPal's new Chandler call center.

PayPal's President says SB 1070 and new immigration bills had no effect on his company's decision to move to Arizona.

"You know what, we follow what is going on, but the politics are secondary to what we are trying to do in our business," said Scott Thompson.

But at the State Capitol, the President of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce, a business group, fears these new immigration bills will be a job killer.

"We know our tourism industry employs 200,000 Arizonans..is very, very concerned about what these measures will do," said Glenn Hamer.

The Chamber of Commerce says SB 1070 made Arizona business take a $150 million hit. They claim Arizona, one of the top five states for conventions and tourism, has slipped.

Senate President, Republican Russell Pearce doesn't believe it.

"Oh, you know they love to throw out that information..it is not true..they know it is not true. Tourism is up if American supports us..three to one across America..that is really going to hurt Arizona?" said Pearce.

What does Gov. Brewer have to say about the new immigration bills? Nothing..yet.

"I have not had the opportunity to hear them..I am awaiting getting the information and listening to the debate," said Brewer.

Other immigration bills working their way through the State Legislature:

SB 1309: would deny automatic citizenship to the children of illegal immigrants. It passed out of a committee on Feb. 22.

SB 1308: would force hospitals to check the immigration status of patients before treating them, unless there is an emergency. It is still in the committee phase.

http://www.myfoxphoenix.com/dpp/news/im ... y-02232011