Since mid-1985, the average flux of >70 MeV/nucleon cosmic rays at Voyager 2 (r2~17 AU, &THgr;2~O¿) has been ~3-5% greater than that at Voyager 1 (r1~24 AU, &THgr;1~26¿ N). This is the first direct observation over such a large radial range in which the galactic cosmic ray flux closer to the sun is higher than the flux farther from the sun for an extended period of time. This observation is consistent with the presence of a negative latitudinal gradient G&THgr;=-0.36¿0.05 (or -0.60¿0.08 )%/deg, assuming a coexistent radial gradient Gr of 1 (or 2) %AU. We suggest that the appearance of this persistent negative latitudinal gradient may be due to the abrupt, large decrease of the heliospheric current sheet tilt to ~20¿ in early 1985.