Two bills to extend tax breaks for the airline industry have passed through the House. That industry scrambled to keep its exemptions set to sunset this summer.

House members voted yes to a partial gas tax exemption for Atlanta-based Delta Airlines.

Republican Representative Ron Stephens from Savannah, who heads the Economic Development Committee, supported the two year extension.

"It means our home grown companies we’re going to stand behind them and whenever they plant their roots here, and they sink lots of capital... by God, we’re going to stand behind them," says Stephens.

Opponents say the 30 million dollar tax exemption is corporate welfare for a company that isn’t hurting, while the state is facing a deficit.

Under another measure the House passed, people from out-of-state who buy airplane parts and repair services in Georgia wouldn't pay state taxes on them.

Tags: airline tax credits