Regional Affairs
AOPA educates state rep on Utah GA tax issue
Like the public, many legislators don't understand the important role general aviation plays in the U.S. economy. And when state officials don't understand the impact of a tax increase—like doubling the tax on aviation fuel—the results can be devastating to the GA industry.
That's why AOPA Manager of Legislative Affairs Joey Colleran and AOPA Western Regional Representative Stacy Howard made it a point to discuss a Utah GA tax issue with Utah House Majority Leader David Clark last week during the National Conference of State Legislators Fall Forum in Phoenix.
AOPA worked last year to prevent a proposed increase in the Utah aviation fuel tax from 9 cents to 18 cents a gallon and has participated in meetings to help restructure the aviation tax structure in the state. A new proposal that will be introduced during the 2008 legislature will not have the fuel tax increase and will allow for the majority of aviation taxes in Utah to go into the state fund instead of county general funds.
"As a leader of the Utah House, Rep. Clark must be fully aware of all the impacts legislation could have on industries that have a major economic impact in the state," said Howard.
During the forum, Colleran and Howard also discussed GA issues with legislators from other states.
"AOPA uses national conferences like the Fall Forum to reach out to state officials from across the country," said Colleran. "We educate the decision makers on GA issues so that when an aviation matter comes up in their state, they'll be more likely to turn to AOPA for guidance and be more receptive to our position. But we also take every opportunity to work on specific issues, like the Utah fuel tax in this case."
December 6, 2007
