Amendment could trigger tax increase on pilots! Contact your representatives on unlock trust fund vote now!

Amendment could trigger tax increase on pilots! Contact your representatives on unlock trust fund vote now!

AOPA has just learned that a planned amendment to the “Truth in Budgeting Act” could trigger a huge tax increase on pilots. The vote on the bill is tomorrow. Pilots must act now to stop amendments that could weaken the bill and cause a tax increase!

During tomorrow’s vote on the Truth in Budgeting Act, Rep. John Kasich (R-Ohio) will offer an amendment to prevent the aviation trust fund from going “off-budget.” Kasich’s amendment would also eliminate the portion of the FAA’s budget that comes from the general fund instead of the trust fund. Ending the general fund contribution could lead to massive tax increases on aviation fuel.

The Truth in Budgeting Act, originally numbered H.R.111, is now included in a broader FAA bill, H.R.1000. Please call or fax your House member today! The message they need to hear: Vote for H.R.1000 and oppose any amendments that would remove the off-budget provisions.

The money pilots pay in aviation fuel taxes goes into the trust fund, but the federal government doesn’t spend it all. The trust fund surplus will reach $9.5 billion next year. Meanwhile, the Clinton administration proposes charging $1.7 billion in user fees while the trust fund surplus sits unused!

See our citizen’s guide to look up your House member and for communication tips. Visit the House of Representatives Web site for phone and fax numbers, or call the Capitol Switchboard at 202/225-3121 and ask for your representative.

June 14, 1999