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Speaker Says Delta Tax Break Faces 'Tough Climb'

AP Photo/Mary Altaffer

The speaker of the Georgia House is predicting a "tough climb" ahead for a proposed tax break on jet fuel that's once again before lawmakers.

Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle earlier this year led Republican legislators in killing the $38 million tax exemption to punish Delta Air Lines after it dropped fare discounts for members of the National Rifle Association. Gov. Nathan Deal restored the perk over the summer with an executive order.

Now the legislature must revisit the issue as the House and Senate kicked off a special session Tuesday. State law requires lawmakers to ratify the governor's order, or airlines will owe sales taxes retroactively.

Ralston said he's got "serious concerns" that Delta and other airlines haven't justified a need for the tax break.

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