Vermont Aerospace and Aviation Association
a member of the Aerospace States Association
|
Vermont Aerospace and Aviation Association a member of the Aerospace States Association
|
|
|
The Vermont Chamber of Commerce is now administering the Vermont Aerospace and Aviation Association. We have already identified over 200 Vermont companies that work in the aviation and aerospace industries. These companies are solid employers that are critical to Vermont’s future economy. The VAAA is committed to addressing the issues critical to this segment of the industry. In the 2007 legislative session, the VAAA was successful in repealing the sales tax on aircraft parts and repairs. This fix now puts Vermont on a level playing field with our neighboring states. But, there are other issues that will be addressed in the 2008 legislative session. For example, repeal of the sales tax on aircraft sales and reduction of the tax on jet fuel. Instead of generating income for Vermont, new and used aircraft are being bought and sold out of state and private and commercial aircraft are coming to Vermont with extra fuel to avoid filling up in Vermont. These taxes are making Vermont an uncompetitive destination for aviation. Naturally, when aircraft fill up, they often have other repairs done at the same time. With the aircraft seeking this work elsewhere, it ends up costing Vermonters jobs in this well-paying industry. Vermont’s aviation and aerospace community has also been clear on the need for qualified, well-trained employees. The VAAA recently authorized a focus group comprised of aviation leaders to discuss their workforce needs. As a result, we are currently evaluating the current workforce development programs and determining which ones can help this industry succeed. |
|
|