** 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.
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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).
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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).
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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).
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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.