by Bryan Budds
Manager, AOPA Great Lakes Region
As we approach the end of the year, AOPA’s state advocacy team is reflecting on its successes around the country and is beginning to explore opportunities for the quickly approaching legislative sessions beginning in January. Part of this process includes outreach to local aviation groups, which are so essential to our advocacy on the state level to discuss opportunities to work together on some of the most important issues facing each state. In the Great Lakes Region, much of this discussion has centered around the AOPA-championed fuel tax reform achieved in Indiana – which eliminated the state’s 7% sales tax on both 100LL and jet fuel. During the same session, Indiana also exempted aircraft parts from the State sales tax as well.
We have heard from local organizations, pilots, airport managers, economic development officials, and many others that Indiana’s bold step to protect the aviation industry is drawing the admiration and ire of neighboring states that still assess sales tax on aviation fuels including Michigan, Ohio, and Illinois. Thankfully, pilots in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota need not worry as these states do not charge sales tax on aviation fuel, which can add up to $0.40 or more per gallon of fuel. This is where AOPA will set its sights in the coming months. We will continue to ensure that state taxes on aviation fuel are equitable, fair, and dedicated to the aviation system which collected that revenue.
AOPA Welcomes New President From Great Lakes
You may also have read that AOPA’s Board of Trustees has selected long-time pilot, businessman, and Minnesotan Mark Baker as AOPA’s new President and CEO. Mark assumed the pilot seat on September 6, replacing Craig Fuller as AOPA’s fifth president. As with any time of transition, it’s a bittersweet moment as AOPA members and staff say farewell to Craig and thank him for his relentless advocacy and dedication to member services. Undoubtedly, Mark, with his Great Lakes heritage, will continue this great tradition and build an even stronger association. Craig – clear skies! Mark – welcome aboard!
If you have any questions about any of the issues AOPA is working on, please feel free to email me anytime at bryan.budds@aopa.org or visit www.aopa.org.
