ATR: State Press: Alaska Taxpayers Threatened With Tax Increases!

PRESS RELEASE FROM AMERICANS FOR TAX REFORM
Contact: Christopher Butler ( cbutler@atr.org or 202-785-0266)

Alaska Taxpayers Threatened With Tax Increases!
Legislature Considers Numerous Bills to Raise Taxes

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Americans for Tax Reform (ATR) strongly opposes efforts by various members of the Alaska state Legislature to increases taxes. A new income tax, a state-wide sales tax, tax increases proposed for distilled spirits, wine, and malt beverages, and a new excise tax on cruise ship passengers are just a few of the increases on the table in Juneau.

H.B. 119 and H.B. 413 would create an income tax for Alaskans. These bills were both referred to the State Affairs Committee in February, 2002 (Chairman: Rep. John Coghill, District 32).
H.B. 303 would create a state-wide sales tax for all consumers in the state of Alaska. Existing local-option sales taxes would thereby double the tax burden for consumers in those areas. H.B. 303 was returned to the House Rules Committee 3/27/2002 (Chairman: Rep. Pete Kott, District 24).
S.B. 347 would increase excise taxes on malt beverages ($1.42/gal.), cider ($1.42/gal.), wine ($3.41/gal.), and distilled spirits ($18.40/gal.). S.B. 347 was referred to the Senate Rules Committee 3/15/02 (Chairman: Sen. Randy Phillips, District L).
S.B. 290 would levy a $30 per passenger excise tax on commercial vessel passengers traveling in Alaskan marine waters. The bill was referred to the Senate Transportation Committee 2/13/02 (Chairman: Sen. John Cowdery, District I).

"These tax increase proposals threaten Alaskan taxpayers' ability to make sound financial choices for themselves. Every successful tax increase imposed on taxpayers takes a little bit more liberty away from them, and grants government that much more power," commented Grover Norquist, President of ATR.

Americans for Tax Reform is a non-partisan coalition of taxpayers and taxpayer groups who oppose all federal and state tax increases. For more information or to arrange an interview with Mr. Norquist please contact Christopher Butler at (202)785-0266 or by email at cbutler@atr.org.