Some Michigan state lawmakers are reaching out to Delta Airlines, in wake of Georgia officials dropping a big tax break for the air carrier.
Georgia Republican lawmakers stripped the airline of a $50 million tax credit after Delta dropped a discount for members of the National Rifle Association following the Florida school shooting. The tax credit for jet fuel used by Delta at its main hub at Atlanta’s airport was part of a larger bill before the state legislature.
Published reports say only about a dozen NRA members had taken advantage of Delta’s discount program in the past year.
Jim Ananich is Michigan’s state Senate minority leader. He and other Michigan Democrats have sent a letter to Delta suggesting the airline move its headquarters from Atlanta to Detroit.
“If the government in Georgia doesn’t…value Delta….we would love to have them up here,” says Ananich. “We sent a letter basically saying internal company decisions based on company philosophy is none of the government’s business. If you want to bring those jobs here, we would love to have 'em.”
Ananich says he’s also reaching out to the governor’s office, as well as other Michigan lawmakers, to be ready just in case Delta officials signal an interest.
Michigan is not alone in trying to woo Delta away from Atlanta. Officials in Tennessee are trying to lure the airline to Memphis.
There was no comment from Delta officials.
