Georgia’s governor is temporarily giving up on a controversial tax break for Delta and other airlines that buy jet fuel in Georgia.

Governor Nathan Deal proposed a tax break that would save airlines about 50 million dollars each year as part of a larger overhaul of the state’s income taxes.

Governor Nathan Deal is putting a proposal to eliminate sales tax on jet fuel temporarily on hold. GPB's Stephen Fowler reports.

But on Wednesday, the Senate Rules Committee followed through on Lt. Governor Casey Cagle’s tweet about ‘killing’ the tax break and removed it from the bill.

At the committee meeting, Republican Senator P.K. Martin of Lawrenceville said he felt the change to state income taxes would still benefit Georgians.

“I still believe there will be a great positive impact from passing those tax cuts along to the taxpayers of Georgia and to the businesses of Georgia,” Martin said. “So I still believe it will be a positive net increase when it comes to jobs.”

The measure soared through the House last week, but faced starker opposition following Delta Air Lines’ decision to end a discount program with the National Rifle Association.

Cagle’s tweet Monday capped off a weekend of vociferous opposition from State Senator Michael Williams of Cumming and other Republican candidates for this fall’s gubernatorial election, who demanded the tax break be withheld.

In a press conference Wednesday, Deal acknowledged what he called “antics that plague election years,” and said he will work with Delta and other leaders on a separate way to make the tax break happen.

“I am committed to finding a pathway forward for the elimination of sales tax on jet fuel,” Deal said. “Which is going to be non-negotiable.”

Tags: NRA  Casey Cagle  Delta  Atlanta  Georgia