Republican Kentucky state House members are working on a bill exempting private aircraft from from state and local property taxes, just days after voting to cut unemployment insurance benefits, the Lexington Herald Leader reports. In 2020 taxes on such aircraft raised roughly $50,000 for the state treasury and about $2.5 million for school districts, cities, counties and other jurisdictions.
Dipshit Republican House member Jonathan Dixon said the measure “is aimed at making our commonwealth more competitive in attracting the smaller single- and double-engine aircraft that drive business at our general aviation airports… This isn’t about giving someone a tax break, it is about using our resources to create jobs. The proposal would create opportunities for pilots, maintenance techs, line workers and airport staff, as well as an increased need for hanger space and rental. We’re also encouraged by the potential for indirect economic impact in the form of site business growth, construction jobs and educational opportunities.”
“To me, the juxtaposition is terrible,” said Dem Rep. Tina Bojanowski. “We’re kicking people when they’re already down, we’re reducing support for them while they’re looking for work, and then we turn right around and give rich people a break on their taxes? That’s infuriating. As far as I’m concerned, you’ve got to be pretty wealthy to own your own personal airplane.”