The state’s labor unions are planning rallies across Alaska on Sunday in an effort to avoid a statewide government shutdown.
The “Keep Alaska Open For Business” rally will include events in Fairbanks, Juneau and Anchorage. In Juneau, it will take place from 1-2 p.m. in front of the Capitol. Fourth Street will be closed during the rally. The Fairbanks rally will be at the Fairbanks Legislative Information Office, 1292 Saddler Way; the Anchorage event will be at the Anchorage LIO, 1500 W. Benson Blvd.
The rallies will take place less than three weeks before the July 1 start of the state’s fiscal year. If the Legislature cannot agree on a budget ─ and how to pay for it ─ before that date, state services will shut down.
On Facebook and on the AFL-CIO website, rally organizers say they are “encouraging lawmakers to come up with a plan they can agree on before the scheduled June 16 end of the current special session. A government shutdown looms just two weeks later on July 1st if a deal is not reached.”
Contact reporter James Brooks at james.k.brooks@juneauempire.com or call 419-7732.
