MPA LEGISLATION REPORT
March 2002

GREETINGS! First, Here's an update from Washington, D.C. The General Aviation Industry Reparations Act of 2002, also known as the "GA Relief Bill." Left the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure bound for…more review. The Legislation (H.R. 3347) will now be considered by the full House of Representatives and will then move on to the Senate for final passage, hopefully soon thereafter.

House Aviation Subcommittee Chairman John Mica (R-Fla.) originally introduced the bill in response to the airspace restrictions enacted following the attacks of September 11TH. Supporting Mica, 27 other sponsors helped push the bill, which was accepted by voice vote, through committee.

So what's the holdup? The bill aims to establish grants and loans for General Aviation companies that suffered financial losses as a result of the restrictive flight rules. It will also cover healthcare premiums and expenses incurred by employees who were affected by company layoffs.

The Legislation would provide $2.5 billion for direct losses incurred beginning on September 11TH, and makes available $5 billion for loans to small businesses. Loan recipients are, of course, required to submit information demonstrating their losses as a result of September 11TH. The Bill also was amended to include compensation to General Aviation entities that were prevented from operating during the Olympic Games in Utah.

Obviously, most of the alphabet groups are very supportive of this Legislation. General Aviation Manufacturers Association President Ed Bolen stressed that many General Aviation companies and small businesses are in need of economic relief, because of the mandatory General Aviation grounding which, unlike that of the Commercial Airlines, was for weeks, not days. The National Air Transportation Association's President James K. Coyne said, "There is still a great deal of legislative ground to cover before this legislation ultimately becomes law". Other groups including AOPA and EAA have given their support of this Legislation.

Secondly, Here's an update on our Missouri Aviation Bills. Senate Bill's 970, 968, 921, 867, 868, & 738-Sponsor Senator Westfall, et al, with SCS, SS, for SCS, SS for SS for SCS & SA 6 (pending) Repeals sunset on motor fuel tax, provides for design-build and removes cap on aviation trust fund. All these Senate Bills are ready for Perfection.

Thirdly, Senate Bill 725, Which requires Transportation Commission to issue permits in order to erect, structures which might impede airplane safety. (Missouri Airport Protection Act) Sponsored by: Senator Childers is still waiting for a hearing date. Last Modified: Friday, March 8, 2002 at 7:31:30 PM.

Fourthly, House Bill 1207, Missouri Airport Protection Act. Sponsor Representative Merideth III. Last Action: Committee: Government And Related Matters passed 2/19/02.

Executive Session Held (H). Next Hearing…pending. Last Modified: Friday, March 8, 2002 at 3:36:11 PM.

Now, In Conclusion, Let's get busy contacting your State Representative, and Senator, tell him or her, we need their Support and Vote on these vitally important Aviation Bills Pending. Because we have to Protect and Preserve our Missouri Airports.

Let's all continue working together; we will make a "Difference for General Aviation in Missouri.

Until Next Time!
SAFE FLYING!

Larry G. Harmon
Legislation Chairman
E-mail address: MPALHARMON@aol.com


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