Gov. Nathan Deal has signed a hefty tax break for Delta Air Lines.

The bill Deal signed into law on Wednesday will save the Georgia-based airline up to $30 million on jet fuel taxes over two years.

Supporters say the state must work to keep Delta in the state because it brings in millions of dollars in economic development.

Opponents said when the tax break on jet fuel originated several years ago, the company was facing bankruptcy but it reported more than $1 billion in profits last year and doesn't need the help now.

The bill caps the exemption at $20 million for fiscal year 2012 and $10 million for fiscal
2013. The current tax break had been set to expire June 30.

Tags: Delta Airlines, governor deal