Attempt to tie Boeing jobs to tax breaks struggling
OLYMPIA — Aerospace workers attempting to claw back some of a multibillion dollar tax break to the Boeing Co. because of its shrinking workforce in Washington are not getting much traction with lawmakers this year.
Wednesday marks the halfway point of the 2017 session and no legislation has been introduced to tie the company’s continued enjoyment of tax savings to the number of people Boeing employs in the state.
Representatives of unions representing Machinists and engineers said a bill they’re drafting targets the 2013 law extending a suite of incentives to the aerospace industry that could save Boeing up to $8.7 billion in tax payments through 2040. Since lawmakers passed the extension in a special session, Boeing has shed nearly 12,000 jobs while establishing its 777X program in Everett.
“I’m optimistic we’ll get a bill introduced,” said Larry Brown, political director for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local 751.
Read more: http://www.heraldnet.com/news/attempt-to-tie-boeing-jobs-to-tax-breaks-struggling/
