SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois lawmakers are sending a revised legislative district map to Gov. J-B Pritzker.
The House and Senate came back to Springfield on Tuesday to approve the new political boundaries for the next decade, taking into account the recently released data from the 2020 Census.
The measure was approved along party lines, sponsored by Rep. Lisa Hernandez of Cicero.
“Did everyone get everything they wanted…no. But, everyone was heard,” Hernandez said.
Republicans argued strongly against the maps, saying they were drawn behind closed doors to keep Democrats in power.
Republican State Rep. Ryan Spain, of Peoria, said Democrats adjusted some districts just prior to a redistricting hearing Tuesday morning.
“This is not transparency, this is not legitimate outreach, it’s not earnest involvement of constituents,” Spain said.
Community groups also expressed frustration at not having enough time to review the maps proposal.
Spain said the whole process was a sham.
“It is a disingenuous process. It baffles me that we can consider that this is the appropriate way to run our government,” Spain said.
Democrats said dozens of public hearings were held, and that the new maps reflect the unique diversity of Illinois.
State Republicans have filed a federal lawsuit, and a status hearing was scheduled for Wednesday.
“The courts have now directed in the last week, now that we have the Census, that you have to work with the other side of the aisle, you have to work with other interest organizations,” Spain said.
Spain told WMBD’s “The Greg and Dan Show”, a co-plaintiff in the suit, MALDA, the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund, is looking to expand Latino representation across the nation.
A judge’s decision in the case is expected by the end of September, according to Spain.
(25 News)
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