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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2017 - 2018
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | January 4, 2018 09:57 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Scott Conklin |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Establishing the Congressional Redistricting Commission |
| In the near future, I plan to introduce legislation amending the Pennsylvania Election Code to establish the Congressional Redistricting Commission and to provide guidelines for the Congressional redistricting process. As our courts continue to ponder the constitutionality of Pennsylvania's Congressional maps, the clock is ticking for the 2018 primary election. Over the past year, I have watched partisanship and gridlock in Washington, which have caused divisions in our nation and our Commonwealth. It has become very clear to me that the political advantage gained through gerrymandering has contributed to the problems in Washington. I believe it is time that we take partisanship out of the process and give the citizens of Pennsylvania the authority to draw Congressional maps. Accordingly, I will be introducing legislation that amends the Pennsylvania Election Code to establish the Congressional Redistricting Commission each year following a decennial census. In addition, my bill adds provisions requiring the Commission to adhere to redistricting principles established by state and federal law and court precedents. The intent of my bill is to put integrity back into the process of redistricting and to insure that Congressional districts are drawn by considering the fair and equal representation of the citizens of Pennsylvania rather than the political parties currently drawing maps. Please join me in sponsoring this timely and important legislation. Let's give the power to choose back to our constituents. |
Introduced as HB2020