Redistricting Hearings Ensure Voices from Across Illinois Have Say in Fair Map
ROCKFORD – Sen. Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) is leading efforts to ensure communities across northern Illinois receive fair representation as legislators begin the once-a-decade process of drawing new legislative boundaries.
Stadelman recently helped lead one of more than a dozen regional hearings scheduled to be held by the Senate Redistricting Caucus in the coming weeks as lawmakers seek input from the public in order to craft a fair map that reflects the diversity of Illinois. That includes the state’s racial, religious and geographic diversity, among other factors.
The Senate Democratic Caucus is focused on inclusion, with hearings being held both in-person and virtually, allowing for say from stakeholders in all of Illinois’ 102 counties. For the first time, anyone who wishes to propose a new legislative boundary map will soon be able to draw and submit a map online.
“To create a plan that best reflects the diversity and needs of our state, we must ensure everyone in the community is able to have their voice heard,” Stadelman said. “Through these hearings, we will do just that – which will allow us to have a variety of input to consider when we go to the drawing board.”
