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For Immediate Release
June 28, 2012
Contact: Rita Zielonis
(717) 787-3280

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Yaw Joins Senate Aviation Caucus

HARRISBURG – Several members of the state Senate joined together today to form a new committee that will examine ways to promote and strengthen the aviation industry in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, according to Senator Gene Yaw (R-23).

The Senate Aviation Caucus, chaired by Senator David G. Argall (R-29), met to discuss key issues and impacts on the aviation industry.  The caucus also heard from Marv Miller, Legislative Liaison for the Aviation Council of Pennsylvania, which represents Pennsylvania's aviation and aerospace community.

"I commend Senator Argall on forming the Aviation Caucus and look forward to working with my senate colleagues on issues impacting the industry," said Yaw.  "We are fortunate to have an industry in Pennsylvania that is unbelievably creative and dynamic.  However, Pennsylvania is at a competitive disadvantage compared to other states because there is no exemption from the sales and use tax for fixed winged aircraft.  This translates to lost jobs and related businesses."

In 2009, Pennsylvania provided a sales and use tax exemption for helicopter sales, parts and maintenance.  As a direct result of this change, Sikorsky Aircraft, a world leader in helicopter design, announced that it was moving all commercial helicopter production to Pennsylvania which created an estimated 400 jobs.  In contrast, because this exemption was not extended to fixed winged aircraft, Pennsylvania has lost out on attracting other aviation manufacturers.

"I was pleased to recently cosponsor legislation that will provide exemptions for fixed winged aircraft parts, maintenance, repairs and sales," Yaw added.  Senate Bill 1552 will help attract family-sustaining jobs and new aerospace businesses to our state, and retain those already in our region."

Yaw's district is home to Lycoming Engines, a Textron Inc. company headquartered in Williamsport that provides nearly 450 family-sustaining aerospace manufacturing jobs.  Yaw also cited a state-of-the-art 50,000 square-foot Penn College instructional facility at the Williamsport Regional Airport used exclusively for training students interested in aviation and avionics careers.  Penn College offers degrees in Aviation Maintenance Technology (B.S.), Aviation Technology (A.A.S.) and an Aviation Maintenance Technician Certificate.

In addition to Yaw and Argall, members of the Senate Aviation Caucus include:  Senators Lisa Boscola (D-18), Tim Solobay (D-46), Richard Kasunic (D-32), Mike Folmer (R-48), Edwin Erickson (R-26), James Ferlo (D-38) and Mike Brubaker (R-36).