Delta Gave Georgia GOP Lawmakers Platinum Upgrades, Then Received $30 Million

[cal04]

Delta Gave Georgia GOP Lawmakers Platinum Upgrades, Then Received $30 Million Tax Break
http://thinkprogress.org/2011/05/20/delta-ga-gop-lawmakers/


Three weeks ago, Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal (R) signed into law a major tax break for Delta Airlines — the world’s largest commercial airline — that would enable it to purchase jet fuel at a lower rate. The tax break blew a $30 million hole in the state’s budget, and was given to the company at a time when its profits are topping $1 billion:

Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal has signed a hefty tax break for Delta Air Lines Inc. The bill Deal signed into law on Wednesday will save the Georgia-based airline up to $30 million on jet fuel taxes over two years.

Supporters say the state must work to keep Delta in the state because it brings in millions of dollars in economic development. Opponents said when the tax break on jet fuel originated several years ago, the company was facing bankruptcy but it reported more than $1 billion in profits last year and doesn’t need the help now.

(snip)
While the company did register the upgrades as campaign contributions, the station argues that the company undervalued them. Delta said the upgrades were worth $1,600-$2,400, but renowned consumer reporter Clark Howard said the actual value of the upgrades was closer to $10,000-$15,000 a year, and that they should be registered as gifts from lobbyists, not simple contributions.

Watch WSB’s report about the upgrades:

[asjr]

1. This takes "selling out" to a whole new level!

[Sonoman]

2. $1600-$2400 per flight is more likely.

I am Executive Plat on American and Plat w/Delta.

My GF travels everywhere with me (2X value) and we drink the bar dry in 1st Class.

If we walk up to the counter and purchase a ticket (and, more than likely, bump someone) the value of that status is worth well over $2K per flight.

Even if we reserve seats well in advance, the value of my status is worth at least $1K per.

Multiply that by 30-40 flights per year.

It's simple, really.

Sonoman

[LiberalFighter]

3. Avoid Delta at all cost