Days after Delta Airlines announced that it would merge with Northwest, some Minnesota lawmakers are hoping a multi-million dollar tax break could lure the company away from Atlanta. Delta officials have already said they intend to remain in Atlanta, if the proposed merger with Northwest is approved by federal regulators.
But, Minnesota Republican Representative Tom Emmer thinks his proposal -- which includes real estate and a plan to zero out the new company's corporate tax rate -- could convince Delta to relocate."Rather than stand on our capitol steps and wave goodbye, we'd like to make a run and let the Governor at least make an offer to your folks as to why we not only believe Minnesota has the best quality of life options to offer, but also that it’s a great place to do business and they can do so competitively."
Georgia lawmakers responded with confidence to the proposal.
Republican Chip Pearson heads the Senate Economic Development Committee. He says Georgia has and will continue to work with Delta to ensure Atlanta remains the carrier's headquarters.
"It doesn't surprise me that they would throw something at the deal to try to get them to move that way. Although if you've changed planes and been outside the terminal in Minnesota in January, I don't really know what you could really throw at someone to make them want to go there."For more than a decade, Northwest has received numerous tax breaks from the state of Minnesota. And, if they move from Minnesota, Northwest would have to repay the state almost 250 million dollars.
More than 1,000 employees work at Northwest headquarters in eight buildings in and around the St. Paul-Minneapolis area.
