Alaska Republican renewing call for more lawmakers

JUNEAU - An Alaska Republican is renewing a push to increase the number of state lawmakers.

The proposed constitutional amendment, introduced by Rep. Peggy Wilson of Wrangell, would increase the number of House members from 40 to 48 and those in the Senate from 20 to 24. It is similar to a proposal previously raised on the Senate side.

Concerns have been raised about population losses in rural Alaska and what that will mean for representation of those areas as legislative district lines are redrawn following the census. Senate President Gary Stevens acknowledged the concerns but said he didn't see the idea gaining traction at this point.