Nine cruise lines have agreed to end a lawsuit against the state, if Governor Sean Parnell’s head-tax legislation passes. Versions of the bill are before the House and Senate Finance Committees. They would reduce the $46-per-passenger fee to $34.50. And they would refund passengers $15 each if they pay local head taxes in Juneau and Ketchikan. The majority of cruise ships stop at the two Southeast cities. So the overall tax would drop to $19.50, nearly a 60 percent reduction.
Ed Schoenfeld, CoastAlaska – Juneau
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