On Wednesday, the Vermont House of Representatives advanced a bill that redraws House districts to reflect changes in population as reported by the 2010 US Census. The redistricting bill’often known across the country as the most partisan bill of the decade for state legislatures’was approved on a vote of 138-4.
‘It is rare that a bill like this has broad bipartisan support,’ said Speaker Shap Smith. ‘It is a tribute to the good work of the committee and its driving goal of designing the most representative districts possible, not the most partisan. It once again shows the country that Vermonters from all parties can come together to find common sense solutions on the tough issues facing our state.’
The House Government Operations Committee began to revise the district lines in the fall of 2011. The Committee began the process using the current district map’developed under a Republican majority in 2002’as a template to make required changes.
‘We appreciate the effort of the majority leadership to work with us to obtain a reasonable solution to the redistricting puzzle that, although not perfect, meets many of the objectives our caucus set forth prior to beginning this process,’ said House Minority Leader Don Turner. ‘This plan keeps towns whole and provides most Vermonters an opportunity for fair representation in the Vermont House of Representatives.’
The Census determined that an ideal single-seat district is made up of 4,172 residents and 8,344 residents for an ideal two-seat district. An overall deviation of 20 percent (10 percent over, and 10 percent under) from that number has been upheld in recent court cases. The House plan deviates 18.99 percent.
Chief among the criteria for drawing new lines was the preservation of equality of representation among the districts. The Vermont Constitution and state statutes also require that several other important standards be maintained as districts are drawn. If possible, the preservation of existing lines is advised and characteristics like geography, social interaction, trade, political ties, and common interests should also be taken into account.
‘Today, we watched the legislative process at its best. The committee faced a formidable challenge and answered it swiftly and with an undeniable sense of fairness. If onlyWashingtonwould follow our lead,’ concluded Progressive Leader Chris Pearson.
The bill will be sent to the Senate which is expected to pass the bill as is. Local Boards of Civil Authority (BCA) will review the plans. When applicable, the relevant BCAs will draw lines within multi-seat districts. Feedback is due by March 15thand a final bill will be passed by the end of the session.
Speaker's office. 2.1.2012
Vermont reapportionment plan gets overwhelming support in House
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