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Dunleavy forms bipartisan team to tackle economic losses related to coronavirus

Gov. Mike Dunleavy talks to reporters at a press conference in the Capitol on Wednesday. He said that public statements by Alaska Supreme Court Chief Justice Joel Bolger led members of the group fighting Dunleavy’s recall, Stand Tall with Mike, to believe it would be difficult for Bolger to hear the case. (Photo by Skip Gray/KTOO)
Gov. Mike Dunleavy talks to reporters at a press conference in the Capitol on Wednesday. He said that public statements by Alaska Supreme Court Chief Justice Joel Bolger led members of the group fighting Dunleavy’s recall, Stand Tall with Mike, to believe it would be difficult for Bolger to hear the case. (Photo by Skip Gray/KTOO)

Gov. Mike Dunleavy announced Tuesday that his office has created an "economic stabilization team," which will develop a plan to help the state's economy weather the impacts of the coronavirus.

The group will be bipartisan, lead by former Gov. Sean Parnell, a Republican, and former U.S. Sen. Mark Begich, a Democrat.

"The remaining seats will be filled by a cross section of Alaska’s economic leaders and former elected officials," the governor's statement said.

Find all today's news about coronavirus in Alaska here.

The last week alone has brought a host of economic challenges to the state, including the suspension of cruises, the tanking price of oil and, on Monday, job losses for hundreds of workers in Anchorage bars, gyms and restaurants, as those facilities were closed.

The team will work with the governor and the Alaska Unified Command Structure to help guide the response to the pandemic, provide regular updates to legislative leaders and work with the congressional delegation, state and local governments, and businesses.