Arkansas Economic Development Council passes resolution in support of hate crimes legislation

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (January 14, 2021) – Members of the Arkansas Economic Development Council, a commission composed of business leaders and economic development advisers who represent each region of the state, today passed a resolution to express support for hate crimes legislation to provide enhanced penalties for acts of violence committed due to a victim’s race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity, ancestry, service in the armed forces, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, homelessness, or disability. Currently, Arkansas is one of only three states (along with South Carolina and Wyoming) that has not passed such legislation. 

The Council passed the resolution at its monthly board meeting today. 

“Incredibly, and in spite of all the challenges of 2020, Arkansas has continued to grow economic benefits for our citizens by supporting the expansion of existing industries and the recruitment of new job creating industries,” said Arkansas Economic Development Council Chairman Rick Barrows. “As this resolution states, it is critical that we do not create any competitive disadvantages and that we affirm the value and dignity of all who work and live in Arkansas. Economic development is the mission of this Council.”

The Council drafted the resolution to express its view that the absence of hate crimes legislation could hinder the recruitment of companies to Arkansas. This in turn could put the state at a competitive disadvantage if Arkansas become the only state without such legislation. 

The Council also said that the passage of hate crimes legislation would affirm the value of dignity of all who work and live in Arkansas.

“Arkansas is one of only of three states that does not have a hate crime bill in place,” said Council member Gina Radke. “With the exodus of companies from other states, Arkansas wants to be first on the list for relocation of valuable jobs. The passing of this bill removes any doubt that Arkansas is open for business to all.” 

Gov. Asa Hutchison has requested that the Arkansas General Assembly pass hate crimes legislation in the current regular session of the General Assembly, and the Council urges the General Assembly to pass legislation at its earliest opportunity.

“I want to thank the Arkansas Economic Development Council for drafting this resolution,” said Secretary of Commerce and AEDC Executive Director Mike Preston. “I appreciate these business leaders for voicing their support for this issue that will help our economic development efforts in bringing better paying jobs to the state that will improve the lives of all Arkansans.”

The Council’s resolution can be found here.

About the Arkansas Economic Development Commission 

The Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC), a division of the Arkansas Department of Commerce, seeks to create economic opportunity by attracting higher-paying jobs, expanding and diversifying local economies in the state, increasing incomes and investment, and generating growth throughout The Natural State. Arkansas is a pro-business environment operating leaner, faster and more focused through a streamlined state government designed to act on corporate interests quickly and decisively. For more information, visit www.ArkansasEDC.com. The Arkansas Department of Commerce is the umbrella department for workforce and economic development drivers. Its divisions and regulatory boards include Division of Aeronautics, Waterways Commission, Wine Producers Council, Division of Workforce Services, Office of Skills Development, State Bank Department, Insurance Department, Securities Department, Economic Development Commission and Development Finance Authority. It was established July 2019 as part of Governor Asa Hutchinson’s wide-sweeping efficiency and transformation efforts to reduce 42 cabinet agencies to 15 while maintaining services for all Arkansans.