Washington, DC - The Alliance for Aviation Across America issued the following statement in response to the release of President Obama's FY 2015 spending proposal today, which included a proposed $100 per-flight user fee on general aviation businesses and operators.
“It is disappointing that once again, in spite of widespread, bipartisan opposition from businesses, farms, Mayors and communities around the nation, the Administration included a harmful user fee in the proposed budget for 2015. The existing fuel tax is simple, efficient and easy-to-use, whereas a user fee would decimate businesses and operators with unnecessary bureaucracy. Our leaders should be doing everything possible to support this vital industry and lifeline to communities around the nation.
General aviation supports 1.2 million American jobs, represents $150 billion of economic activity each year, and is a vital asset to businesses of all sizes, farms and charitable groups across the country. Particularly in rural communities, general aviation supports commerce, agriculture, and critical services like safety, supporting disaster relief, fire fighting, law enforcement and others.
"We urge Congress to reject the user fees, as it has repeatedly done in the past."
Formed in 2007, the Alliance for Aviation Across America is a non-profit, non-partisan coalition of over 6,300 individuals representing businesses, agricultural groups, FBO's, small airports, elected officials, charitable organizations, and leading business and aviation groups that support the interest of the general aviation community across various public policy issues.
