(JUNEAU) - Representative Carl Gatto (R-Palmer) has pioneered a new method to propose his legislation. Go online at WWW.TaxCruiseShips.org for more information.

"HB 2 asks the cruise ship companies to reimburse the State of Alaska for costs attributable to their presence in Alaska, up to a maximum of $50 per passenger. WWW.TaxCruiseShips.org helps me get this message out to the public and my colleagues in the legislature."

This is the second year that Representative Gatto has sponsored a cruise ship tax. With regard to HB 2, Representative Gatto said, "It is fiscally irresponsible for the state to continue to subsidize the cruise ship industry while we consider reaching into the pockets of our own citizens with broad based taxes. The industry has repeatedly proposed we introduce both income taxes and sales taxes on the entire state rather than a tax on cruise ship passengers."

In addition to his vice chairmanship on the House Education Committee, Representative Gatto is the co-chair of the House Transportation Committee and Vice-Chairman of State Affairs. He also serves on Legislative Council.

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