UPDATED: Thu., March 1, 2018, 4:16 p.m.
HARTFORD, Conn. – Some states are taking advantage of a dispute between Georgia and Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines over the company’s decision to cut ties with the National Rifle Association, urging the airline to relocate.
Governors from Connecticut, New York and Virginia have pitched their states to the airline through letters and tweets.
“Hey (at)delta – Virginia is for lovers and airline hubs. You’re welcome here any time,” tweeted Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, a Democrat.
The Republican-controlled Georgia Legislature approved a tax bill Thursday that eliminates a fuel tax break that primarily benefits Delta. Georgia Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, a Republican, had suggested removing the tax benefit as retribution for Delta’s decision after a deadly school shooting in Florida to stop offering discounted fares to NRA members.
The governor of New York, a congressman from Ohio and the mayor of Birmingham, Alabama, have all reached out to Delta amid the NRA controversy in recent days.
Georgia lawmakers approved the sweeping tax bill that strips out a jet fuel tax break worth an estimated $38 million annual for airlines. Delta, which has a hub at Hartsfield Jackson Airport, would be the prime beneficiary.
Georgia’s Republican governor, Nathan Dean, didn’t seem concerned that the company would be enticed to leave.
Dean, who has said he will sign the tax bill, said a lot of people share the blame for the dispute.
“We’re the leaders of this state and we need to be coming together for solutions – not bullying corporations who are trying to do the right thing – and take a step in righting the wrong that we have done to our children in this country,” she said.
Published: March 1, 2018, 2:40 p.m. Updated: March 1, 2018, 4:16 p.m.