This is How Delta Responded After Georgia Lawmakers Dropped a Tax Break

Delta had its heart in the right place making the decision it did in the wake of the Florida shooting but Georgia lawmakers are not taking that decision lightly.

The airline said it would end discounts for National Rifle Association members that attend the gun-rights group’s annual meeting in Dallas. United Airlines also followed in these actions.

Lawmakers in Georgia, the airline’s home town, dropped a hefty jet-fuel tax break that the airline had wanted from a tax bill that was passed last week.

“While Delta’s intent was to remain neutral, some elected officials in Georgia tied our decision to a pending jet fuel tax exemption, threatening to eliminate it unless we reversed course,” said CEO Ed Bastian. “Our decision was not made for economic gain and our values are not for sale.”

Thirteen people had booked tickets with Delta’s NRA discount for the upcoming conference according to Delta spokesman Trebor Banstetter who spoke to CNBC.

“We are in the process of a review to end group discounts for any group of a politically divisive nature,” Bastian also said.

“None of this changes the fact that our home is Atlanta and we are proud and honored to locate our headquarters here,” Bastian also assured.

Disclaimer: We have no position in Delta Air Lines, Inc. (NYSE: DAL) and have not been compensated for this article.