May, 23 2018, 12:00am EDT
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Micah Sims (717) 232-9951 msims@commoncause.org, David Vance (202) 736-5712 dvance@commoncause.org
Senate Bill 22 Only a Half Measure to Fix Gerrymandering
Statement of Micah Sims, Common Cause Pennsylvania Executive Director
WASHINGTON
On Tuesday, May 22nd the Senate State Government Committee took a small step in the right direction toward fixing our broken redistricting process, but there is much more work to be done. Committee Chairs Mike Folmer, Anthony Williams and their colleagues responded to the outcry of Senator Lisa Boscola, concerned citizens, and reformers to fix the dysfunctional way Pennsylvania handles the drawing of congressional and legislative districts.
While it was refreshing to see elected officials responding to concerns instead of ignoring them, their measure needs to go further. The amended bill brings transparency, citizen involvement, public testimony, and safeguards to ensure a fair process. However, there are also significant shortcomings. For example, the bill allows a wide range of political insiders to serve on the commission and lacks language requiring that the commission is representative of Pennsylvania's diversity. This constitutional amendment could be the law of the land for decades, so the time to make these essential improvements is now.
Common Cause Pennsylvania will continue to work, as we have for the past thirty years, for a constitutional amendment that will reform redistricting and eliminate partisan gerrymandering. We believe the best answer is the formation of an independent citizens redistricting commission, not an appointed commission in which legislators handpick members. As this bill proceeds, Common Cause will monitor and alert citizens if this legislation fails to meet the standards of fairness and transparency that the public demands. We must continue to dialogue and work for the right solution. It's not time to celebrate or take a victory lap, but time to work even harder.
Lastly, Common Cause Pennsylvania is asking our governor, state elected officials, reform organizations and grassroots movements to continue to work together to develop an historical redistricting amendment.
To view this statement online, click here.
Common Cause is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization dedicated to upholding the core values of American democracy. We work to create open, honest, and accountable government that serves the public interest; promote equal rights, opportunity, and representation for all; and empower all people to make their voices heard in the political process.
(202) 833-1200LATEST NEWS
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“They want to know we are corrupt like them, which is not the case.” – AAP chief spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar on the BJP’s crackdown on opposition politicians.
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The India Report: https://t.co/rxPr6zKnWx pic.twitter.com/P3eSbxVTVm
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The \u201cRepublican-controlled\u201d House just passed a $1.2 trillion spending bill that doesn\u2019t secure our border, but funds full term abortion and trans ideology on our youth.\n\nI filed a Motion to Vacate because the House needs a Speaker who\u2019s able to win for Republicans and our\u2026— (@)
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