Redistricting Reform Is Alive and Deserves Speedy Consideration, Say Reform Groups

Sacramento—Major citizens' reform groups today applauded the legislators and their leaders who have set the stage for serious consideration of redistricting reform in the California Legislature in the coming weeks. In less than ten days, three separate bills requiring redistricting by an independent commission have been introduced. These bills complement the proposal made by the Governor in December and the placeholder bill by the Assembly minority leader. Reformers are calling for work on the bills to begin without delay.

"Californians are ready for basic change in the way redistricting is done," stated AARP State Director Tom Porter. "They are tired of forcing legislators into a system where they have an inherent conflict of interest, drawing the very lines that determine their electoral future." Voters and policy makers alike are frustrated that incumbent protection and party benefit are the common results of such a system.

Added Jacqueline Jacobberger, president of the League of Women Voters of California, "It's time for the legislative process to work as it should, with careful scrutiny of provisions and their implications, input from interested parties, and the opportunity to make improvements before anything is set in stone." The reformers called for hearings on the bills to be scheduled as soon as possible. If the proposals all go to a conference committee, as many expect, that should happen by the end of June before the legislature's summer break.

The opportunity is there to craft a measure that will truly serve the people of California. The redistricting process should include maximum opportunity for public input and public scrutiny. It should apply standards for district lines that promote fair and effective representation. And it should be conducted by an independent commission, not the legislature. "These ingredients of a successful plan are all addressed by the bills that are before the legislature. Let's have the conversation about the best ways to put it all together," said Kathay Feng, Executive Director of California Common Cause.

"For some time now, we've asked for 'political gumption' when it comes to reforming redistricting. We thank the legislators who are stepping up and offering their ideas, and we trust the governor is listening. It's for the good of our state and can make California the leader for redistricting reform around the country," concluded Jacobberger.

* The comprehensive proposals introduced in the legislature are ACA 1 (Price and Nunez), SCA 9 (Ashburn) and SCA 10 (Lowenthal). Another bill, ACA 4 (Villines), contains provisions concerning the standards for drawing lines.

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