States seek to lure Delta as Georgia moves forward on threat

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Some states are taking advantage of a dispute between Georgia and Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines over the company’s decision to cut ties with the National Rifle Association, urging the airline to relocate. Governors from Connecticut, New York and Virginia have pitched their states to the airline. A congressman from Ohio and the mayor of Birmingham, Alabama, also have reached out to Delta in recent days.

“Hey @delta — Virginia is for lovers and airline hubs. You’re welcome here any time,” tweeted Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, a Democrat.

The Republican-controlled Georgia Legislature approved a tax bill Thursday that eliminates a fuel tax break that primarily benefits Delta. Georgia Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, a Republican, had suggested removing the tax benefit as retribution for Delta’s decision after a deadly school shooting in Florida to stop offering discounted fares to NRA members.

Connecticut Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, a Democrat, sent Delta CEO Ed Bastian a letter Wednesday, praising him for his “courage standing up to” the NRA following the shooting that left 17 people dead. He then took the opportunity to urge Bastian to consider his state as the new location for Delta’s headquarters.

“As I am sure you are well aware, Connecticut is a state where we’ve put partisanship aside, and passed commonsense gun laws,” said Malloy, referring to legislation passed after the 2012 mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. “Our efforts have made Connecticut one of the safest states to live, with one of the lowest rates of firearm deaths in the country.”

Georgia lawmakers approved the sweeping tax bill that strips out a jet fuel tax break worth an estimated $38 million annually for airlines. Delta, which has a hub at Hartsfield Jackson Airport, would be the prime beneficiary.