From Deseret News archives:
Airlines again ask state for tax break
Delta, Southwest reps to testify before task force
In early September airline representatives from Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines and other Salt Lake carriers will be testifying before the state's Tax Reform Task Force to determine what, if any, further tax cuts could help sustain the industry.
While controversial four years ago, this time the tax cut discourse looks to be more cordial. Back then talk surfaced of Delta abandoning its Utah hub if it wasn't given tax concessions.
Utah Air Travel Commission chairwoman Meg Holbrook said she has been meeting with Senate President John Valentine, R-Orem, and House Speaker Greg Curtis, R-Sandy, about considering lower taxes for airlines, and the legislative leaders seem cordial.
"My whole thing is just to advocate, 'Yes, we need tax breaks,' " Holbrook said.
She has also been in contact with Sen. Curtis Bramble, R-Provo, who is co-chairman of the task force and said he invited the airlines to offer ideas on how the state could lessen their tax burden.
"If there is something we can do to affirmatively help Delta I think we should, at least we should discuss it," Bramble said.
Utah's second-largest carrier, Southwest, on the other hand, posted a $159 million profit last quarter.
Part of the desire to rework the tax code arose from the idea that lessening corporate tax burden could spur economic development. Many businesses locate in Utah because of the easy access and copious flights out of Salt Lake City's airport, Bramble said. Since the airlines are a large drawing point for other businesses, it seems reasonable that the state should work to make sure they are viable, he said.
"Some may claim that (the airlines) are seeking corporate welfare," Bramble said. "But they didn't approach us, I approached them. . . . We want to know what areas of our tax policy would they like to look at that would help them in their current financial struggles."
Comments
- BYU ties give Utes an edge 11:58 p.m.
- Obama to detail Afghanistan plans 11:57 p.m.
- 2 executed in formula scandal 11:57 p.m.
- Groups help spread holiday cheer 11:54 p.m.
- Giving thanks for little things 11:53 p.m.
- 1 of 3 fee boosts is OK'd by council 11:49 p.m.
- BYU has slim shot at BCS 11:41 p.m.
- NCAA basketball top 25 11:39 p.m.
- Democrats name executive director 11:37 p.m.
- Emotion is big key for Cougs 11:35 p.m.
- Utah, BYU are top choices for bowls
- BYU would like friendlier rivalry
- Protests against Phoenix LDS temple
- Best prep football games of 2009
- KSL: Prostitution in Utah County
- Man trapped in own body for 23 yrs
- Kirilenko climbing blocks list
- Woman describes stabbing, killing
- Boys basketball rankings
- 'Dancing' will fill out finale
- BYU would like friendlier rivalry
229 - Glenn Beck to enter politics?
224 - RSL wins MLS Cup on penalty kicks
202 - Protests against Phoenix LDS temple
189 - Bronco, Kyle rubber match
137 - Palin's book shows she's unqualified
136 - BYU records with win
133 - Letters: Rushing to judge Palin
122 - Hall, Johnson matchup key
102 - Jazz finally win in San Antonio
99
Mike, don't take it so personal. We know you are a Utah homer, but let's get...
I am a Seneca Indian from Western NY and find the meso America theory hard to...
If the chances are slim to none, why is this even news?? Trust the D.N. to...
Realize this. They were sub .500 when they entered the playoffs (not that it...
As a little history lesson - the Michigan team BYU played in 1984 was a very...
If you think Utah is going to do anything in conference you are sorely...
I wonder if what Memo brings offensively is worth what he takes away...
may have a point. A smaller faster line up may have stopped some of the 3s....
Also, don't conservatives see the silliness of trying to compare Palin with...
My point exactly. I'm sure the power teams such as Seattle looking for their...



You can be the first to comment on this story.