On July 17, 1986, Gov. Bill Sheffield announced even more budget cuts after Alaska’s oil revenue was forecasted to fall another $1 billion. Gov. Sheffield planned to add a percent cut from the state’s budget, stall $300 million in public construction projects, negotiate a 10 percent reduction in state workers’ pay, give a 15 percent reduction in pay to himself, and more. Though cuts were plentiful, Gov. Sheffield avoided layoffs and plans to only use them as a last resort. In response to the cuts, Juneau officials said they would consider reopening local budgets, wage freezes, school program cuts and construction reductions.
“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.
