On April 9, the Senate State Government Committee voted 6 to 4 to report out Senate Bill 22 (Boscola-D- Lehigh), a statewide redistricting reform proposal (sponsor summary).
The measure would amend the state’s constitution to establish an 11-member independent citizen’s commission to redraw Congressional and state legislative district maps. It would require significant public input, apply sound map-drawing standards and establish a fair process for final map adoption.
“You cannot reform government without reforming the redistricting process. I am committed to seeing this more equitable process become law. Senate Bill 22 would separate politicians from the actual map-drawing process,” said Sen. Lisa Boscola (D-Lehigh), the bill’s prime sponsor. “Voters should choose their elected leaders, not the other way around.
“I fully understand that a difficult road lies ahead and that many of my colleagues will attempt to amend or derail this proposal. I hope the public and advocates remain vigilant and continue to demand that we change the system. It is imperative that a reformed process be in place by the fall of 2021 (following the 2020 census).
“This important committee vote moves the potential for real redistricting reform one step closer to a people’s vote. Reforming our redistricting process will help strengthen representative democracy in Pennsylvania.”
The bill now goes to the full Senate for consideration. Read more here.
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