STATEHOUSE (Oct. 22, 2012) — The Aviation Association of Indiana (AAI) recently recognized State Sen. Tom Wyss (R-Fort Wayne) as “Legislator of the Year” at its annual conference in Plymouth, Ind. for pro-jobs legislation he authored earlier this year.

During the 2012 session of the General Assembly, Wyss introduced the Transportation and Logistics Income Tax Credit, intended to provide a 25-percent credit for new expenditures related to projects that would bolster Indiana’s economy and improve its transportation and logistics industries. The bill passed the Senate with a 49 to 1 vote but failed to move through the House of Representatives.

“My goal for the tax credit was to encourage further expansion of Indiana’s advantages in the transportation and logistics industries,” Wyss said. “Logistics alone is currently a $10 billion industry in our state, employing approximately 300,000 Hoosiers. Indiana’s central location also places two-thirds of the U.S. population within a day’s drive of us. We must have a tax system that uses these advantages to their fullest potential.”

Wyss has been involved in promoting transportation and logistics efforts through a variety of leadership roles. He currently serves as chairperson of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security, Transportation and Veterans Affairs as well as the Joint Study Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Assessment and Solutions. He also previously served as vice-chairperson of the National Conference of State Legislatures’ Transportation Committee.

“Senator Wyss understands that by improving our logistics industry, we reduce the costs of transporting Indiana’s goods to market, making Hoosier companies more competitive in the marketplace,” AAI Executive Director Bart Giesler said. “The tax credit would add more jobs in the construction and transportation industries, but just as importantly, it could also increase the number of jobs in agriculture and manufacturing as they, too, will benefit from the reduced transportation costs. AAI looks forward to continued work with the General Assembly to establish the tax credit.”

The AAI is an advocate for aviation interests and provides a network for those involved in the field. It regularly recognizes lawmakers for their efforts to promote legislation benefitting the air travel industry.