Tom Cross, Illinois GOP Minority Leader…
Democrats in both the House and Senate released legislative redistricting maps last week. In the House, Democrats waited to release their map until late Friday afternoon giving the public practically no time to review it before a planned Sunday hearing in Chicago. If you wanted an explanation you had to ask for it in writing. Democrats promised an open and transparent process – this isn’t it.
Despite claims from House Democrats that their map is fair and competitive, a number of Latino organizations have stated at hearings and in news reports that their population is under-represented. Since the last map was drawn in 2001, the Latino population grew the most in the last ten years in Illinois.
Interesting articles from Sunday’s Chicago hearing on the Democrats proposed House map:
Repmap plan criticized, praised at forum, the Chicago Sun Times.
Democrats defend House redistricting plan, the Chicago Tribune.
A joint House and Senate redistricting hearing will be held on Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 9:00 a.m. at the Capitol in Springfield. You’re invited to attend and have your voice heard.