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Delta’s tax break may not take flight after Georgia Senate blocks it

The Georgia Senate blocked a lucrative tax break bill Monday that would benefit Delta. Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle said he would not support tax legislation helping the airline. He cited Delta's decision to end a program of discounted rates for NRA members Gov. Nathan Deal argues the $50 million jet fuel tax break would keep Atlanta competitive.
By
Feb 26, 2018

It came after Delta desperately sought to find neutral ground in a gun debate that has very little, trying to soothe concerns among conservative lawmakers infuriated by the company's decision to end discounted rates for NRA members in the wake of the mass shooting at a Florida high school.

That move forced Gov. Nathan Deal and other supporters of the $50 million jet fuel sales tax exemption to shift to the defensive, and prompted a growing number of Republicans to try to strip the provision out of a broader tax-cut bill that has already passed the state House.

Read more: Why Delta tax break could be grounded

About the Author

Greg Bluestein is the Atlanta Journal Constitution's chief political reporter. He is also an author, TV analyst and co-host of the Politically Georgia podcast.

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