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Legislation would protect high-tech aviation jobs in Illinois
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[March 31, 2007]
SPRINGFIELD -- State Sen. Larry Bomke
is sponsoring legislation to help Springfield's Landmark Aviation,
an aircraft renovation business that employs several hundred local
residents, compete with out-of-state aviation companies.
Senate Bill 455 creates a tax exemption that will directly
impact aviation companies that do business in Illinois and allow
them to further benefit the community.
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"Landmark Aviation is the type of business that is a great resource
for Springfield," Bomke says. "These are exactly the kind of
good-paying, high-skill jobs that we want to retain. We need to do
what we can to ensure that they continue to stay here and, if
possible, expand. With the level of competition being so high in
this industry, it is important to do everything that we can do to
ensure that our Illinois aviation businesses have the tools they
need to be a success."
The legislation creates a tax exemption on aircraft purchases if
the aircraft leaves Illinois within 15 days or if it is based or
registered in Illinois after the purchase of the aircraft. Senate
Bill 455 also exempts use of an aircraft that is temporarily located
in Illinois for the purpose of a pre-purchase evaluation or a
post-sale customization.
Shawn Vick, Landmark Aviation president, said, "This tax
exemption will allow the Springfield office to compete on a level
playing field."
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 Several other states, including many in the Midwest, offer this
tax exemption to aviation companies. Companies in Illinois are
struggling to compete because, without the exemption, other states
have a 7 percent price advantage.
Landmark Aviation is a business aviation services company that
has a network of 35 locations and more than 2,500 trained
professionals. In Springfield, the company employs several hundred
people and provides vital resources to the local economy.
Senate Bill 455 passed out of the Senate on Thursday by a
unanimous vote and now goes to the Illinois House for further
consideration.
[Text from news release sent on
behalf of
Sen. Larry Bomke and received
from Illinois
Senate Republican staff]
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