Fourth state senate redistricting hearing confirmed for Oct. 13

From Senate Republican Capitol Connection

SPRINGFIELD, Ill.—The fourth hearing of the state Senate Redistricting Committee has been confirmed for Tuesday, Oct. 13, in Carbondale, Ill.

As lawmakers continue to meet and consider proposals for changing Illinois’ redistricting process, members of the Senate Redistricting Committee will travel to Carbondale to consider more redistricting reform ideas. This week, committee members will focus on recommendations from the Paul Simon Institute.

The Paul Simon Institute at Southern Illinois University Carbondale considers some of the most important—and controversial—issues that face Illinois, including gerrymandering.

Representatives from the institute have been long-time supporters of redistricting reform, previously backing reform legislation that failed to be approved by the General Assembly.

The Paul Simon Institute plan is one of several alternatives offered by a third party to restructure redistricting. Senate Republicans say that whatever proposal is advanced, it is critical that reforms are adopted and the process of redistricting is taken out of the backrooms.