An update from All on the Line (AOTL) and Indivisible regarding the status of FL House and Senate work on redistricting/reapportionment.
Recall that the House only draws the Congressional and State House map and the Senate only draws the Congressional and State Senate map. Usually one chamber passes the other chamber's map quickly, but they have to come together to agree on the Congressional map.
You can see the current maps and the proposed maps at this website: https://florida.redistrictingandyou.org/
Currently, the Senate maps are pretty good. The Senate is going to continue workshopping their maps with subcommittee hearings tomorrow (Jan. 10) that will be available to view live on The Florida Channel or by a recording: Select Subcommittee on Congressional Reapportionment from 9 am - Noon ET, and Select Subcommittee on Legislative Reapportionment from 12:30 - 3:30 pm ET.
The Senate Reapportionment Committee will meet Thursday, January 13 at 1:30 pm ET to narrow their map choices. This can also be viewed live on The Florida Channel or with a recording.
The House maps are NOT GOOD! Lots of packing and cracking. Examples include Tallahassee cracked into three separate House districts and Gainesville packed into a tight metro district with a bunch of suburban R-leaning districts surrounding the city.
The House is going to halt workshopping their maps and receive public testimony next week at their Congressional Redistricting Subcommittee Meeting and State Legislative Redistricting Subcommittee Meeting -- both held at the same time on Tuesday, Jan. 11 at 4 pm ET.
With many thanks to AOTL and Indivisible, here is the urgent call to action:
It is imperative that we provide feedback on the House maps. We are asking you to submit public comments in the comment box on the official Florida Redistricting website form before Tuesday afternoon by clicking this link: Public Input | Florida Redistricting Our overall message is that we OPPOSE the House maps and want them redrawn. You can use the talking points from AOTL below or create your own.Our overall message is that we OPPOSE the House maps and want them redrawn. You can use the talking points from AOTL below or create your own.
Thank you,
Jean Siebenaler
DWCF Legislative Chair