On Jan. 29, 1987, it was confirmed that Gov. Steve Cowper asked negotiators to open a discussion with state workers about cutting state personal costs by 15 percent. So, employees were asked to accept pay benefit and work-rule cuts to produce the requested 15 percent total in savings.
Meanwhile, the state was estimated to lose another $1 billion in the coming 19 to 20 months. Keeping the deficit in mind, more work was suggested be done to the Alaska Permanent Fund to help ease the economy.
“This Day in Juneau History” is compiled by Empire freelancer Tasha Elizarde, who sums up the day’s events — 30 years ago — by perusing Empire archives.
