I am tracking redistricting in a number of states, including California, Florida, Louisiana and Texas.
Yesterday, the Census Bureau shipped redistricting data to Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett and state legislative leaders. With P.L. 94-171 data in hand, redistricting will begin in earnest. Or it will once the fifth member is appointed to the Legislative Reapportionment Commission that will redraw congressional and state legislative districts.
The legislative leaders have posted a help wanted sign for the fifth member, who will chair the commission. In a statement, Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi said:
Redistricting is a once-a-decade exercise, and among the most important issues we will address in 2011. One of my goals is for this to be the most open and transparent redistricting process in the history of Pennsylvania. A public search for someone to chair the Commission is the best first step in making that happen.
House Democratic Leader Frank Dermody added:
The determination of fair districts of equal population will take months, but it begins with the selection of a fifth member to chair the LRC. It is a huge responsibility and I hope that many interested people will ask for consideration.
Applications are due no later than April 4. For more info, visit Tracking Change.