Posted on 03/01/2018 2:40:42 PM PST by tkocur
Georgia lawmakers voted to nix a tax benefit for Atlanta-based Delta as part of a broader tax package approved Thursday, following the airline's decision to sever ties with the National Rifle Association.
The bill -- which includes a sweeping income tax cut -- cleared the state House on an overwhelming 135-24 vote, after being approved in the state Senate on a 44-10 vote. It now heads to the governor's desk.
The final version dropped an earlier amendment that would have renewed a jet fuel tax exemption worth $50 million that was taken off the books in 2015.
“Businesses have every legal right to make their own decisions, but the Republican majority in our state legislature also has every right to govern guided by our principles,” Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, who very publicly threatened to pull the airline tax break earlier this week, said in a statement.
LT. GOV. CASEY CAGLE REACTS ON 'CAVUTO LIVE,' SATURDAY AT 10 AM ET Republicans threaten to kill tax legislation that benefits companies who cut ties with NRA after Florida mass shooting.
Republican Gov. Nathan Deal, serving his last year in office, said he plans to sign the tax package, though he initially pushed for the airline tax break.
Deal said he would still pursue a jet fuel tax exemption separately.
The rejection of the tax break for now, though, marked a swift rebuke from state lawmakers, who had been weighing the restoration of the benefit until this week. It was originally pitched as an “airline tax break,” rather than one that would only benefit Delta.
(Excerpt) Read more at foxnews.com ...
Delta says “Whoops!”
Even as a Delta frequent flyer...maybe former...this makes my day. Good for Georgia.
Government doing things to drive business out of the state.
That will send a clear message. YOU WILL TOW OUR LINE... or we will use the power of the state to punish you.
GA has a huge film industry. Get rid of those subsidies too.
This won’t drive a single job out of Georgia. At least not from Delta. The are Atlanta-based and very seriously doubt they would move. Bet they have lots of other tax breaks in the state at different levels. Plus over 33K employees.
Maybe the legislature could at least say those have to promote values that are beneficial to the state and it and all US citizens.
Delta’s statement in part “Delta’s decision reflects the airlines neutral status.....”
If Delta wants to stick their political necks out, they get what they deserve.
Actions have consequences.
It will be interesting to see Delta's reaction.
Proud of Georgia!
Maybe so, but I would be concerned about companies like Amazon that may no longer consider coming to the state of Georgia. Lots of potential jobs that may not pan out. This happened not too long ago in North Carolina.
Delta caving to fake, lefty Mob Rule paid by Soros and his ilk is a big mistake! Live and learn Delta!
My family will not book with Delta going forward.
Do they not realize that we hold the $$$$ purse strings - not the fake protesters weaned on government handouts. LOL
Delta making big profits, why give them a fuel tax break in the first place?
Governor Deal has told Georgians we should sell our souls for a mess of Amazon jobs. Bow to Bezos instead of Jesus! NO THANKS.
Maybe they can send the money to the NRA!
The revolution will begin in the south, i have no doubt after moving here. People are pissed!
Go Dogs!
I’m not sure what your point is. While towing the line would be a helpful thing to do, I think toeing the line is what you’re referring to. Even so I don’t think that’s what the government is Georgia is getting at. After all, what line is being toed? I interpret them as being like me, namely sick of the petty economic warfare engaged by the left and buckled to by businesses. The message that I get from this is that businesses should stay out of politics or virtue signal on their own dime
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