AOPA Pilot Magazine - February 2014 - 100

NEWS & NOTES
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ACTION IN THE STATES

STATE AND LOCAL ACTION

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Legislation to eliminate the sales tax on aircraft parts and labor has been on the move
in Wisconsin, as AOPA, EAA, and local
allies made a push just prior to the legislature's adjournment for the year. The measure, Assembly Bill 438, will now
carry over to the January session with the 2013 progress intact. AOPA Government
Affairs' Mark Kimberling and Bryan Budds both appeared before two committees,
and met with other key legislators in Madison, explaining that the bill would be
essential to save the state's network of aviation businesses and employment in an
increasingly competitive region. Nearby Indiana was the most recent state to enact
a sales tax exemption for aircraft maintenance and fuel, putting additional pressure
on Wisconsin to take action. Wisconsin Senate President Michael Ellis is spearheading the effort within the legislature and called for a full Senate vote in early 2014.
"We're pleased to have Senator Ellis energized about this vital reform," said
Kimberling. "He understands how vital it is to Wisconsin's aviation community."
The state's high taxes currently are so noncompetitive, that many Wisconsin-based
aircraft operators bypass local shops and leave the state for major repairs-taking
revenue and jobs with them.
WISCONSIN SENATE PASSES PRIVATE AIRFIELD LIABILITY BILL

The Wisconsin senate recently approved a measure to provide liability protection for owners of private airfields used for recreational purposes. Senate Bill 321
would add recreational aviation to Wisconsin's existing recreational-use statute,
clearing the path for these owners to open more airfields for public use. "With
this measure, the Wisconsin legislature would equitably provide the same level
of liability protection afforded to skiers, ATVers, hikers, and others to the aviation industry while operating on privately owned land," said AOPA Great Lakes
Regional Manager Bryan Budds.
NEXT UP IN THE MICHIGAN FUEL TAX SAGA: CUT AND DEDICATE

100 | AOPA PILOT February 2014

ADVOCATE PILOT =
GREAT ASN
VOLUNTEER
WHEN VANCOUVER, Washington's
longstanding Airport Support
Network volunteer at Pearson
Field (VUO) was ready to step
down from his role, Paul Speer was
ready to step into his place.
Speer serves as the chair of the
Pearson Field Aviation Advisory
Commission to the City of
Vancouver and has been a constant
advocate for VUO on issues such
as the battle to protect Pearson's
airspace and the struggle over
the Pearson Air Museum. Speer
already was engaged at a level
that allows him to understand the
political nuances that affect the
airport, and was already actively
promoting the field.
When Pearson Field hosted its
annual celebration last fall featuring Disney's Planes, Speer made
sure AOPA was there to greet the
more than 400 visitors, with brochures and information for airport
neighbors and young people. Speer
makes a point of meeting with
stakeholders at Pearson, as well as
other visitors coming to the field,
even arranging tours for out-oftown visitors. He has also been
quick to share information with
pilots at the airport, responding
quickly to members on issues of
concern at the facility.
What's next for your airport?
Would you have the knowledge and
time to help preserve your field?
WEB

www.aopa.org/ASN

JOHN HOLMS

After several years of struggling with the legislature over multiple fuel tax increase
proposals-and efforts to secure a share of existing tax revenue for airport investments-AOPA, the Michigan Association of Airport Executives, and the Michigan
Business Aviation Association are working cooperatively with the Michigan legislature on comprehensive transportation reform that would address both the tax rate
and revenue dedication for years to come. The Michigan House recently passed a
trio of bills (House bills 4571, 4572, and 4677) that would reduce the state's current
uncompetitive combined sales and excise fuel tax rates-one of the highest in the
nation-with a sales tax cut and excise tax elimination. Although the legislature has
adjourned for the year, all three bills will carry over to next session, and AOPA will
now focus on Senate passage. "Unfortunately, Michigan currently has the worst
of both worlds in regard to the tax and revenue situation," said AOPA Regional
Manager Bryan Budds.
"Pilots are paying more than their fair share of
taxes, with little to no return on the investment
in terms of revenue dedication for airport
improvements. But now, with this new legislative package, AOPA is fully supportive of
a comprehensive, long-term solution to fix
this problem once and for all."

AIRPORT SUPPORT NETWORK

WISCONSIN IS LATEST STATE TO TAKE UP
GA MAINTENANCE TAX CUT
http://www.aopa.org/ASN
AOPA Pilot Magazine - February 2014

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of AOPA Pilot Magazine - February 2014
