Rupp: Redistricting in Our State and Listening to Public Opinion

Last December, the results from the 23^rd Decennial Census showed that the population of the 2nd Senatorial District would be affected, along with a number of Congressional districts in Missouri. It was concluded that Missouri would lose a Congressional seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, despite having a steady population growth of 7 percent. I was disappointed that our state lost a seat, but I am determined to draw new district lines that will fairly represent our citizens and Missouri’s population.

As chairman of the Senate Committee on Redistricting, it is my responsibility and honor to visit communities throughout Missouri and hear the thoughts and opinions from citizens regarding the redistricting process that is currently taking place across the state. It is also my duty to make sure that any changes that are made by redistricting fairly represent the people of Missouri.

Recently, we received Missouri’s census data from the federal government, which was the first step in really determining where the population in our state has settled. Our goal for the new Missouri congressional maps to be finished is May 14. After the maps have been approved by the House and Senate, the governor has his allotted time to make his decision. The new maps must be in place to ensure proper filing in February 2012 for congressional candidates.

I would like to encourage citizens to attend the informative and open hearings that we are conducting regarding redistricting throughout the state, or to submit comments through my office. The more input we get, the more accurately we can draw the congressional lines. It’s clear that after the redistricting process, we shall have a congressional map that looks much different than it does now, and we want this map to reflect one person, one vote in Congress.

As always, if you have any inquiries regarding this issue or any other matter within state government, please visit my website at www.senate.mo.gov/rupp. Here, you can also subscribe to my RSS feed on the main page of my website; it will keep you up to date on all my columns, press releases, and multimedia postings. Always feel free to e-mail me or call my office toll-free at (866) 271-2844.