Airplane, beekeeper tax exemptions to benefit 13th District

Airplane, beekeeper tax exemptions to benefit 13th District

One of the final bills of the second special session is good for business in the 13th Legislative District. Senate Bill 5882 would provide a number of tax exemptions, at no net cost to the state, including one for large planes.

The bill provides that a large private airplane owned by a nonresident is exempt from the sales and use tax for any labor or services performed with regard to repairing, cleaning, altering, or improving the aircraft within the state.  This exemption expires on January 1, 2024.

Everett-based Aviation Technical Services, who recently expanded into Moses Lake, does heavy airframe maintenance and modifications including large plane refurbishments. The company plans to utilize the exemption and expand their business.

All 13th District lawmakers voted in favor of the legislation. They issued the following statements:

Sen. Janea Holmquist Newbry, R-Moses Lake:

“I am thrilled to see us lay the groundwork for high-skilled, family-wage aerospace jobs in Moses Lake. Companies like Aviation Technical Services are a vital part of Grant County’s economic future.”

Rep. Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake:

“This tax exemption allows an existing company to take advantage of Grant County’s great infrastructure and workforce, as well as Big Bend Community College’s aerospace program. ATS is a perfect fit in our district and in our port, and we welcome them with open arms.”

Senate Bill 5882 also includes an extension of the honey beekeeper tax exemption that Warnick sponsored during the regular session.

“I’m pleased we were able to get approval to extend this tax exemption in a year that was very hostile to tax exemptions. This is important to protecting a vital sector of agriculture and a work group will examine ways to better address colony collapse disorder.”

Rep. Matt Manweller, R-Ellensburg:

“This is a great way to end the session. We have done our due diligence and passed an operating budget and for this bill to make it through the process as we wind down the second special session is a real benefit to our region. This legislation provides us an excellent opportunity to grow the aerospace industry and create more jobs in Grant County. The economic revenue forecast still shows our economy is still very sluggish. Any legislation or action we can take to put more people back to work improves our economy and the state’s bottom line.” 

The bill passed the House 66-25 after passing the Senate 43-5.

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