Fri, Jul 01, 2011
Organizations Say President's Remarks During White House Press
Conference Are Damaging To Industry
Two more of the industry's trade associations have joined the
chorus of those criticizing President Obama's remarks concerning
"corporate jets" during a White House News Conference
Wednesday.
The President repeatedly made damaging remarks aimed at
corporate airplane owners and operators, and he urged Congress to
eliminate or reduce tax depreciation schedules for general aviation
airplanes, something he agreed to last year as part of the Tax
Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization and Job Creation Act
of 2010.
Aircraft Electronics Association President Paula Derks took
issue with the President's criticism of the general aviation
industry during the news conference. "General aviation employs
millions of workers and is one of the few industries providing a
trade surplus for the United States," Derks said. "The President's
proposed tax changes would adversely impact an industry that is
vital to the nation's economic recovery efforts.
"Most businesses that rely on business and general aviation
aircraft do so in order to reach small towns and airports with very
little airline service. These entrepreneurs seek investment
opportunities needed to create job growth. During the past few
years, many aircraft owners and operators have deferred or delayed
many aircraft and avionics equipment upgrades due to the concern
for the economic future of their businesses. The President's
comments directly contradict his own efforts to accelerate
depreciation schedules last fall in order to help stimulate an
industry critical to the nation's overall economy."
Aerospace Industries Association President and CEO Marion C.
Blakey expressed a similar sentiment. "We're disturbed by President
Obama's remarks on business aviation today (Wednesday)," Blakey
said. "It seems odd that he would undermine the aviation industry
one day after visiting Alcoa's factory and praising the workers who
make parts and materials that are critical to producing business
jets. General aviation plays an important role in our economy and
took a substantial hit in the recent recession. We feel that
disparaging comments from the president regarding business jet
users are not conducive to promoting jobs, investment and economic
growth."
Marion Blakey
The President made about half a dozen references to "corporate
jets" and those who use business aircraft as a symbol of people who
"do not need tax breaks" while making a case for changing certain
tax exemptions.
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