Kankakee, IL…State Rep. Jackie Haas (R-79) issued the following statement in advance of the House Redistricting Committee hearing re: Kankakee to be held tomorrow, Saturday, April 24:
“I strongly encourage the residents of the 79th legislative district to participate in tomorrow’s House Redistricting Committee hearing, which will discuss redrawing the political boundaries that will determine the electoral map for the next decade. You can watch the hearing by clicking on Watch Live Virtual Room 1 Video at 3:00 pm.
The opportunity to redraw the legislative and congressional districts only arises once every 10 years. Historically, this has been an extremely partisan process–and it’s even more complicated this time around due to a delay in the release of needed federal census data. So far, more than 30 redistricting hearings have taken place this spring, considering the boundaries of different counties and communities across the state. Now, it’s our turn.
The map-making process in Illinois must be transparent in order to ensure fair representation at the state, local and federal levels of government. In addition to a transparent process, we need the new boundaries to reflect the racial, economic and geographic diversity of Illinois in order to be truly representative of our state. The more citizens engage, the better chance we have at drawing and benefiting from truly fair maps.
Please consider filing a “witness slip” so committee members know that you are paying attention. If interested, there is also an option to request to speak on the record or to submit written testimony. I hope you will join us!”
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