Welcome to the Aerospace Futures Alliance of Washington

Lawmakers just wrapped up their business in Olympia and many of those who participated in the process believe it was "one of the hardest years ever."

Here is what Aerospace accomplished:

• $1 million in new funding for the Aerospace Student Loan program established in 2010
• Protected our industry's tax incentives - Defeated HB 2762, which sought to repeal or modify some of our Sale and Use and B&O tax incentives
• Protected FAR 145 Repair Stations - Defeated SB 6626, which threatened tax incentives provided to FAR 145 repair stations.
• Protected Aerospace companies who diversify with other products - Defeated SB 6626, which threatened tax incentives on multiple industries outside of aerospace.
• Supported the coordinated of training between aerospace training centers, community colleges and four year institutions - HB 2156 that provides for better coordination and to ensure duplications
• Supported the creation of the Joint Aerospace Technology Innovation Center at the UW and WSU - Supported SB 5982

AFA also helped secure over $6 million at our state's training centers and community colleges for new equipment and facility expansion;plus an additional $7.6 million for new engineering degrees at the UW and WSU. Here are a few of the Aerospace accomplishments from the Operating and Capital Budgets:

• Over $2.2 million for new training equipment for the Washington Aerospace Training and Research Center
• $2.5 million for Aerospace training at Renton Technical College
• $1.5 Funding for a much needed expansion at the Washington Aerospace Training and Research Center
• $7.6 million to expand engineering enrollment slots at the UW and WSU
• $Approximate $7 million for Aerospace and Advanced Manufacturing for Community Colleges statewide

I hope you agree after reviewing this list that the industry has done exceptionally well under these trying times. However, we always need to look to the future and prepare for what lies ahead. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have issues or concerns you would like us to address at lindal@afa-wa.com.

Don't forget to compare AFA's member benefits at your next open enrollment. AFA has developed health, property/casualty and liability insurance programs just for AFA members. Contact us today for a quote.