Story of Alaska's income tax like a soap opera

Just because few to none of Alaska’s elected officials are talking about bringing back the personal income tax is no reason to ignore its anniversary.

OK, maybe it’s weird to celebrate your anniversary with an ex, but it’s different with the state income tax. Whereas you’re unlikely to remarry an ex, Alaskans eventually may reunite with the tax. Not willingly, of course. More like a shotgun wedding based on financial necessity.

It was 75 years ago this month that the territorial Legislature enacted Alaska’s first personal income tax. It was also 75 years ago this month that the first daytime d...