Delta Airlines joined a growing list of companies that cut ties with National Rifle Association following a school shooting in Florida that left 17 people dead. That decision is going to cost the Atlanta-based airline because the Georgia Senate just blocked a generous tax break bill according to Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle tweeted that he would "kill any tax legislation that benefits @Delta unless the company changes its position and fully reinstates its relationship with @NRA."
I will kill any tax legislation that benefits @Delta unless the company changes its position and fully reinstates its relationship with @NRA. Corporations cannot attack conservatives and expect us not to fight back.
According to USA Today, the tax break on jet fuel could be worth up to $40 million for Delta.
The airline announced on Saturday that it would no longer offer discounts to NRA members after discussing the issue during their annual meeting. The company said the "decision reflects the airline’s neutral status in the current national debate over gun control amid recent school shootings."
Delta informed the National Rifle Association Saturday that the airline will end its contract for discounted fares for travel to the association's 2018 annual meeting. The company requested that the NRA remove Delta's information from its meeting website.
Delta’s decision reflects the airline’s neutral status in the current national debate over gun control amid recent school shootings. Out of respect for our customers and employees on both sides, Delta has taken this action to refrain from entering this debate and focus on its business. Delta continues to support the 2nd Amendment.
This is not the first time Delta has withdrawn support over a politically and emotionally charged issue. Last year, Delta withdrew its sponsorship of a theater that staged a graphic interpretation of “Julius Caesar” depicting the assassination of President Trump. Delta supports all of its customers but will not support organizations on any side of any highly charged political issue that divides our nation.
Photo: Getty Images