Alaska State Legislature
News from the Office of Representative Norman Rokeberg

State Capitol, # 24
Juneau, AK 99801-1182
Phone: 907/465-4968
web site: http://www.akrepublicans.org/pastlegs/Rokeberg.htm
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Committee Acts to Keep Alaska "Open for Business"

Labor and Commerce Committee Moves Out HB 472

For Immediate Release: March 30, 1998 Contact: Representative Norman Rokeberg at (907) 465-4968.

Juneau -- The House Labor and Commerce Committee today moved out House Bill 472, "An Act relating to apportionment of business income." The House Labor and Commefce Committee originated HB 472 after a February decision by the Alaska Supreme Court that the Alaska Corporation New Income Tax (ANITA) applies to the income of foreign flagged ships and aircraft bringing goods and passengers to and from Alaska."

"This new tax burden would have a chilling effect on commercial development, international trade, and job creation in this state," said Representative Norman Rokeberg (R-Anchorage), Chairman of the L&C Committee. "It will slam the door on the myth that 'Alaska is open for business.' If the Department of Revenue implements this new tax, Alaska would be the only state to have such a tax," Rokeberg said.

The L&C Committee noted, in moving out HB 472, that Alaska would be severely impacted without passage of the measure. International air cargo, air couriers, airlines, fishermen and seafood processors, mining and coal companies, cruiseship lines and tourism, timber and wood products, manufacturing firms, and oil and LNG exports would all be either directly taxed or subject to either foreign retaliation or secondary effects.

HB 472 now moves to the House Finance Committee.

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