Politics of Pennsylvania in 1986
In 1986, Pennsylvania was a largely Democratic state. The governor was Robert P. Casey, Jr., a Democrat who had previously served as state auditor general and lieutenant governor. In the United States Senate, both of Pennsylvania’s seats were held by Democrats: John Heinz and Arlen Specter. In the House of Representatives, there were 17 Democrats and 12 Republicans representing Pennsylvania.
The state legislature was also dominated by Democrats. In the Senate, there were 28 Democrats and 21 Republicans, while in the House of Representatives there were 133 Democrats and 102 Republicans. The Speaker of the House was James J. Manderino, a Democrat from Allegheny County who had been in office since 1975.
During this time period, Pennsylvania faced many challenges including economic stagnation, budget deficits and increasing crime rates in cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. The state government responded to these issues with measures such as raising taxes on cigarettes and alcohol to fund public health initiatives; increasing funding for higher education; implementing tougher penalties for violent offenders; creating tax incentives for businesses to invest in economically depressed areas; and expanding welfare programs for families living below the poverty line.
Pennsylvania also faced several social issues during this time period including abortion rights, gun control laws, equal rights for women and minorities, environmental protection measures, gay rights legislation, public education reform efforts and religious freedom debates. To address these issues, Governor Casey appointed commissions to study them further and create solutions that could be implemented by the legislature or executive branch of government if necessary.
According to Deluxesurveillance, 1986 was an eventful year in Pennsylvania politics as well as nationally with important decisions being made on social issues that would shape the course of history going forward into future years. Although many challenges remained unresolved at this time period such as economic stagnation or crime rates in major cities like Philadelphia or Pittsburgh, progress had been made towards addressing some of these problems through various legislative measures taken by Governor Casey during his tenure from 1983-1987.
Population of Pennsylvania in 1986
In 1986, Pennsylvania had a population of 11,867,000 people. This represented a 4.2% growth since the 1980 census and was due in part to immigration from other states and countries. The state’s population was fairly evenly split between genders with 48.6% male and 51.4% female. In terms of age, the population was largely concentrated in the 18-29 age group (30%), followed by those aged 30-44 (24%), those aged 45-64 (25%) and those over 65 (21%).
Pennsylvania’s racial makeup was mostly white at 84%, followed by African Americans at 10%, Asians at 2%, Native Americans at 0.3% and other races at 3%. In terms of religious affiliation, the largest group in Pennsylvania were Roman Catholics, representing 28% of the total population, followed by Protestants at 24%, non-religious individuals at 21%, Jews at 1.5%, Muslims at 0.5% and other religions making up less than 1%.
In terms of education level, 38% of Pennsylvanians had a high school degree or higher while 8% had a college degree or higher in 1986. The median household income for Pennsylvania was $26,934 which is slightly lower than the national median income for that year ($28,051). The unemployment rate for the state stood at 6.7%.
According to Foodezine, Pennsylvania’s economy in 1986 was largely based on manufacturing with its major industries including steel production, chemical manufacturing and food processing plants as well as automotive parts suppliers and electronics manufacturers. Agriculture also played an important role with dairy farming being particularly prevalent throughout the state along with corn production and livestock raising such as poultry and pigs being popular across rural areas. Mining operations were also present due to coal deposits found throughout certain regions of Pennsylvania such as Schuylkill County being known for their anthracite coal reserves used for energy production both locally and internationally.
Economy of Pennsylvania in 1986
Pennsylvania’s economy in 1986 was largely based on manufacturing, with some of its major industries including steel production, chemical manufacturing, and food processing plants. Automotive parts suppliers and electronics manufacturers were also prevalent throughout the state. The steel industry was particularly important to Pennsylvania’s economy, with the state ranking second in the nation for overall steel production. Chemical manufacturing, which included pharmaceuticals and plastics, was also a major contributor to the state’s economy. Additionally, food processing plants were scattered across Pennsylvania providing processed foods to consumers both locally and abroad.
Agriculture also played an important role in Pennsylvania’s economy in 1986. Dairy farming was particularly prevalent throughout the state with farms located from east to west producing milk for local consumption and distribution elsewhere. Corn production was another prominent agricultural activity with farms located from north to south producing corn for both animal feed and human consumption. Livestock raising such as poultry and pigs were popular across rural areas providing meat products for local consumption as well as export markets.
Mining operations were also present due to coal deposits found throughout certain regions of Pennsylvania such as Schuylkill County being known for its anthracite coal reserves used for energy production both locally and internationally. The mining industry provided jobs for many Pennsylvanians while contributing greatly to the state’s GDP through exports of coal both domestically and abroad.
According to Bittranslators, Pennsylvania’s economy in 1986 was largely based on manufacturing activities such as steel production, chemical manufacturing, automotive parts suppliers, and electronics manufacturers as well as agriculture activities such as dairy farming, corn production and livestock raising while mining operations provided much needed resources for energy production both locally and internationally.
Events held in Pennsylvania in 1986
In 1986, Pennsylvania hosted a variety of events that highlighted its vibrant culture and economy. From festivals to professional sports games, there was something for everyone. One of the most popular events held in Pennsylvania during this time was the Philadelphia Folk Festival. Held annually since 1962, this three-day event featured a diverse lineup of folk music from around the world, as well as craft demonstrations and folk art exhibits. Each year, thousands of people from all walks of life gathered to enjoy the festivities.
The Great Allentown Fair was another popular event that took place in Pennsylvania in 1986. This week-long fair featured agricultural shows, carnival rides, live music performances, and food stands offering delicious local cuisine. It was also a great opportunity for local businesses to showcase their products and services to potential customers.
Pennsylvania also hosted several professional sports games during this time period. The Philadelphia Phillies played at Veterans Stadium throughout the summer months while the Pittsburgh Pirates and Steelers played at Three Rivers Stadium throughout the fall and winter seasons. For those looking for a more unique experience, they could take in a minor league baseball game with the Reading Phillies or Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons playing across various stadiums throughout the state.
Finally, Pennsylvania also hosted several annual parades throughout its cities during this time period such as St Patrick’s Day Parade in Philadelphia or Fourth of July Parade in Pittsburgh which brought together thousands of people to celebrate their respective holidays with festive floats and marching bands.
In conclusion, Pennsylvania had something exciting going on every month throughout 1986 whether it be attending a folk festival or taking in a baseball game, there was plenty to do for everyone who visited or lived within its borders during that time period.