MPA LEGISLATION REPORT
April 2010

GREETINGS! First, Here is an update from Washington, D.C. The Obama Administration in February released the details of the President’s Federal budget priorities for FY2011 absent any type of “user fee” proposal for the general aviation community, something the President had hinted at one year ago. The White House is recommending a total of $16.47 billion in funding for FAA, a slight increase from the $15.99 billion enacted by Congress for FY2010. The bulk of the increase comes in the operations line, which receives $9.79 billion versus the $9.35 billion in FY2010.

Department of Transportation (DOT) reports the portion of the budget supporting the NextGen modernization plan has increased by 32 percent to $1.1 billion, including $153 million for air-to-ground data communications, an increase of $106 million. Also, $14 million is earmarked to fund 82 additional positions to develop flight standards and provide increased aircraft certification services.

In the broader DOT budget, $182 million is proposed for the essential air service (EAS) program, $18 million less than FY2010. The Small Community Air Service Development program sees its funding cut entirely, although Congress has traditionally restored this funding in previous budgets.

Secondly, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reports it is in favor of scaling back a proposal that would include general aviation into the Large Aircraft Security Program (LASP). TSA is working on a revised plan with the industry and expects to have it completed this fall, and will hold the first gathering of a general aviation security working group March 9 and 10, 2010.

Missouri House of Representatives
95th General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session (2010)
Bills Indexed by Subject
AIRCRAFT AND AIRPORTS

HB 1312 --- Sponsor: Talboy, Mike
Prohibits members of the General Assembly from jointly owning property with any registered lobbyist unless the member is the lobbyist's spouse or family member or is dating the lobbyist.

HB 2285 --- Sponsor: Thomson, Mike
Authorizes a conveyance to the City of Maryville

HCR 65 --- Sponsor: Nolte, Jerry --- CoSponsor: Allen, Sue
Endorses an observer status for Taiwan in the International Civil Aviation Organization.

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Note: Here's your web site address for Texas Legislation: www.texas.gov.
Look for Transportation-Aviation, to search all Aviation Bills.

Note: Here's your web site address for Illinois Legislation: www.illinois.gov.
Look for Transportation-Aviation, to search all Aviation Bills.

All other states should follow this same format, to search your specific state's aviation and airport bills.

Remember, that as members of USPA, MPA, TPA, TXAA, NMPA, NPA, IPA, EAA, AOPA, or other pilot associations of which you may be a member, we have a powerful voice, in Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Texas, or whatever state you may represent. Every group of taxpayers and pilots carries a strong voice to Washington, D.C., as well as at the state and local level.
We need to learn how to use our voices, and speak up for general aviation.

So Let's not forget to exercise our privileges, and continue to make a "Difference for General Aviation."

SAFE FLYING!