The number of businesses expressing disapproval of Senate Bill 6, also known as the “bathroom bill” continues to grow, and includes local chambers of commerce such as Cedar Park and Round Rock.

Keep Texas Open for Business, a coalition paid for by the Texas Association of Business, drafted a letter earlier this month addressed to Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, House Speaker Joe Straus and other Texas lawmakers. The letter stated that “by passing SB 6 (the so-called ‘bathroom bill’) and other discriminatory legislation, Texas could lose billions of dollars in GDP [gross domestic product], a critical loss of revenue that would profoundly threaten the state’s ability to fund education, transportation and other essential services.”

According to its website, the coalition works to stop discriminatory legislation in the state.

More than 70 Texas employers, including the Cedar Park, Round Rock and Greater Austin chambers of commerce, have signed the letter since March 1. Bridget Brandt, president of the Leander Chamber of Commerce, said as of Monday the chamber has not yet received the letter.

A study conducted by the Texas Association of Business suggests that thousands of jobs could be lost if the bill is passed, according to a statement from the coalition.

The letter states that SB 6 threatens Texas’ travel and tourism industry, creates costly operational and legal issues and negatively impacts the ability of businesses to recruit top employees.

“Texas receives $68.7 billion in travel spending, which generates $6.2 billion in state and local taxes,” the letter states. “Over 1 million jobs are supported by travel, 648,000 direct and 488,000 indirect. This vibrant industry, the second largest in our state, would suffer declines similar to those experienced by other states if Texas loses its reputation as a welcoming destination for all visitors.”

The letter concludes with a statement that the coalition supports the goal of protecting security and privacy of all Texans.

“We note that several Texas law enforcement officials have said that non-discrimination ordinances have not reduced public safety,” the letter continues. “That’s why we oppose unnecessary legislation that will hurt our vibrant economy in Texas.”

To view a complete history of SB6 in Texas, view Community Impact's interactive timeline.