Expresses Strong Support For Aviation In Rural Areas Of The Country

The Alliance for Aviation Across America released a letter from Idaho Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter to President Obama asking the administration to recognize the vital importance of general aviation for the economy and communities across the state of Idaho and country. Governor Otter specifically highlighted the need to protect this industry against burdensome taxes that would harm the general aviation industry and negatively impact the economy.

Governor Otter (pictured in official photo) joins a growing list of state and local officials that have highlighted the need to protect general aviation. In February, over 100 mayors from 48 states sent a letter to President Obama denouncing attacks on general aviation, and calling on the President to highlight the importance of the industry for communities around the country.  In addition, 37 states around the country have passed proclamations recognizing the importance of aviation and general aviation in particular.
 
In the letter, Governor Otter points out the fundamental role GA plays in the nation's economy, particularly in rural and lightly populated states like Idaho. "General aviation supports more than 1 million jobs nationwide, and needs your help now," he wrote.
 
"As one of the few manufacturing sectors that contribute to the balance of trade, general aviation has been hit hard by the economic downturn with the loss of more than 20,000 aviation-sector employees. For all states, including Idaho, general aviation represents a critical connection to economic opportunity and global markets. What’s more, general aviation plays a crucial public role every day through crop protection, disaster response, law enforcement, or critically needed services such as blood, organ or patient transportation.
 
"The bottom line is that raising taxes on critical sectors of our economy will do us more harm than good by putting more jobs at risk. I encourage you to join me in opposing the new “user fee” taxes that will be placed on general aviation operators."

FMI: http://gov.idaho.gov, www.aviationacrossamerica.com