That's 18 percent of all of the personal income generated in the state. High airfares threaten our ability to do business and that threatens the revenues that you depend on to run state government. Finally, let me say something about free markets. I can tell you that even my staunchest free-market members support this legislation. That's because the airline market is not a functioning free, competitive market.
Airlines have monopolies on certain routes.
The limited availability of gates at hubs restricts competition. The air traffic control system in this country is antiquated and inadequate, and that limits traffic. Thank you for your attention.