On July 24, 1986, state workers and Gov. Bill Sheffield had yet to come to an agreement. Although many employees preferred stalling their next pay raise over a possible 1,000 layoffs, many believed that Sheffield must gather revenue through an income or statewide tax, or cut the Permanent Fund Dividend, rather than continue to hack away at the state’s budget.
The Alaska Legislature, court system and University of Alaska also continued to struggle with their lack of funds.
“This Day in Juneau History” is compiled by Empire Intern Tasha Elizarde, who sums up the day’s events — 30 years ago — by perusing Empire archives. To learn more about the project, click here.
