Connecticut pilots asked to speak up for fair taxation
Contact lawmakers to build support
Legislation that would exempt all aircraft from Connecticut's sales and use tax needs support from pilots to avoid the fate of similar measures introduced only to die in committee in recent years.
AOPA Eastern Regional Manager Sean Collins is working with Deputy House Speaker Joseph Gresko (D-Stratford) to recruit additional co-sponsors for H.B.5026, a bill that would exempt all aircraft from sales and use taxes. The current law exempts aircraft that weigh more than 6,000 pounds, giving owners of smaller general aviation aircraft a strong incentive to purchase and base their aircraft at border airports in neighboring states at a time when airports everywhere are seeking to grow their tenant base.
“As the primary training ground for career-minded pilots and technicians, general aviation is rebounding from its 30-year decline, putting these good wage-paying opportunities within reach for many youths,” said Collins. “Neighboring states like New York, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island have capitalized on this opportunity by exempting aircraft below 6,000 pounds from their sales tax. For them, the savings are passed through to students as lower operational costs for flight schools. Connecticut should make the same investment in its aviation industry to expand opportunity for local youth while helping airports to become more self-sufficient.”
Previous versions of this bill have failed to progress as far as a hearing, in part because of opposition from Sen. John Fonfara (D—Hartford/Wethersfield), co-chair of the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee who has also worked for years to close and redevelop Hartford-Brainard Airport, an effort that AOPA and Connecticut pilots have successfully (so far) stood up to oppose.
“Connecticut has a proud history in aviation, so removing this sales and use tax that no state around levies is evening the play field, not providing special treatment,” said Gresko. “I have the Sikorsky Aviation School in my district, which would benefit greatly. History has shown when taxes like these are lifted, the industry expands in the state, offsetting any potential loss of revenue.”
The tax bill has drawn 32 cosponsors to date, and Collins hopes to push that number to 100—enough support that the bill may eventually see a vote.
