Arizona: Starting to pay the price of fearmongering

by: Jeremy Burton

Thu Nov 18, 2010 at 09:29:44 AM EST

Here's a hopeful bit of news out of Arizona:  After the passage earlier this year of that hateful SB1070 targeting anyone who looked like an immigrant (and we all knew what that meant), a new study out today from the Center for American Progress says that the state is starting to pay the price, to the tune of $45 million in lost convention business so far. According to CAP:

Arizona’s Hotel and Lodging Association publicly reported a combined loss of $15 million in lodging revenue due to meeting cancellations just four months after the bill’s passage.

Our extensive research estimates that the actual lost lodging revenue from these cancellations is at least three times that amount: $45 million. That estimate provides a basis for calculating other losses in visitor spending. Analyzing average food and beverage, entertainment, in-town transportation, and retail sales brings the combined loss of estimated conference attendee spending up to a startling $141 million.

Of course, next season's Major League Baseball All-Star game is still, disgracefully especially given the large number of Latino players, scheduled to be played in Phoenix. Tell commissioner Bud Selig to move the game, here.