Unlikely Allies

by Gene Rose

In a classic example of true bipartisan spirit, the Utah legislature has joined forces with the District of Columbia that could result in a change in every government school text book.

The Utah legislature has approved a plan that, if adopted by Congress, would add one seat each in the U.S. House of Representatives for Utah and the District. The legislature's adoption of Map L sets in motion an effort to increase the number of U.S. House members to 437.

You can read articles about the move in the Salt Lake Tribune, Deseret News and The New York Times. The Washington Post weighs in with this editorial of support, though it speculates the resolution is unlikely to be acted upon by Congress before the new class is sworn in next year. You may also get more background from the Utah Senate's blog site.

Utah narrowly missed getting an extra House seat in the last census and, of course, the District has long lobbied for Congressional representation.