Local

Charlotte loses out on $250 million due to House Bill 2

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte continues to feel a heavy negative impact because of HB2.

Now the law is being blamed for the loss of more than 700 jobs to the state.

The economic fallout is showing no signs of slowing down.

State Sen. Jeff Jackson said he is frustrated by the loss of another company because of HB2.

The governor of Virginia announced Monday that Costar, a real estate information company, is putting its new headquarters in Richmond, Virginia, creating 730 jobs with an economic impact of $250 million.

“I think I speak on behalf of millions of people across the state when I say we are deeply frustrated,” Jackson said.

The revelation comes one day after North Carolina's commerce secretary said HB2 has had zero impact on the state's economy.

The controversial law has been blamed for close to $500 million in lost economic activity in Charlotte alone.

The total includes the NBA All-Star game, the ACC championship football game and the canceling of PayPal’s expansion.

Commerce secretary John Skvarla said that HB2 hasn't hurt us one iota, which Jackson said just shows he “isn't living on planet earth.”

A spokesperson for the commerce secretary defended those comments, saying North Carolina has one of the fastest growing economies in the nation.

Gov. Pat McCrory’s office didn't return Channel 9’s request for comment.