Cuomo To Delta: Make New York Your New Destination

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has invited Delta to leave its worries behind and relocate its headquarters to the Empire State, after a change in the airline's policy led to harsh words from a politician in its home state of Georgia.

Delta is one of a growing number of companies that are doing away with discounts and benefits for NRA members. After the announcement, Georgia's Lieutenant Gov. Casey Cagle, who is running for governor and has received multiple endorsements and an A+ rating from the NRA, vowed on Twitter to fight back.

And, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, he did. The Georgia Senate on Thursday passed a new tax bill, on party lines, that stripped away a tax break for jet fuel.

In response, Cuomo is opening the doors of New York to the airline. "Now more than ever the NRA is showing just how out of step they are with the American people," Cuomo said in a statement. "Delta is sending a clear signal that it opposes the NRA's dangerous agenda, which is putting our children and our families at risk. While Georgia politicians may disagree with the airline's principled stand, we here in the Empire State welcome Delta with open arms, and invite them to move their headquarters here."

According to Delta, it is the largest private employer in the state of Georgia, with 33,000 employees across the state. It claims it was responsible for $43.5 billion in economic impact to the state last year, and pays $300 million annually in taxes and fees to Georgia.

"New York is home to more Fortune 500 headquarters than any state in the country — and we stand ready and willing to work with Delta to find a new home in the Empire State," said Howard Zemsky, the CEO and commissioner of Empire State Development. "New York State is committed to pursuing all investment and economic development opportunities that would create jobs and strengthen the economy. Our door is open."

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