As a result of government warnings and general fears, tourism and travel are expected to plunge in the coming weeks and months, particularly on cruise ships, which have begun temporarily suspending operations. And that'll be true regardless of whether COVID-19 eventually spreads to Alaska.
Federal, state and local regulations impact every mode of transportation in some way and to varying degrees. Motor carrier haulage is subject to federal regulations when it is interstate.
As the coronavirus continued to upend the global economy Monday in ways that threaten the stability of Alaska鈥檚 budget, the Permanent Fund and the tourism industry, Gov. Mike Dunleavy called a news conference to soothe Alaskans鈥� anxiety.
The evidence is clear that Alaskans would pay more under a statewide general sales tax than a state income tax. So why do polls consistently show that a statewide general sales tax is less objectionable to more Alaskans than a state income tax?
One of the biggest economic unknowns is what the coronavirus epidemic will mean for Alaska鈥檚 summer tourism. With a viral infection in the news, will they still want to crowd onto airplanes and cruise ships to get here?
