LWVC Calls for Action on Redistricting
Bill by End of Session
SACRAMENTO, Calif., August 29 -- The League of Women Voters of California
expressed alarm today that the state Assembly has taken no action on
SCA 3 (Lowenthal and Ashburn), the bill to turn redistricting over to
a citizens redistricting commission. League President Jacqueline Jacobberger
reminded Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez of his pledge to put real redistricting
reform on the ballot and urged him to act on his promise before the
end of this legislative session. "With only three days remaining to
pass SCA 3," said Jacobberger in a
letter to Nunez and Assembly Minority Leader George Plescia, "the
need for action is urgent!"
The League is part of a broad coalition committed to using the legislative
process to develop a redistricting reform proposal this year. Legislators,
staff, and many organizations and individuals participated in extensive
hearings and discussions in the state Senate to craft SCA 3. The bill
passed by a 27-11 vote of the Senate on August 16. It proposes a citizens
redistricting commission that removes the inherent conflict of interest
of legislators drawing their own district lines. Its redistricting process
invites public input and scrutiny and uses fair, sound criteria for
drawing district boundaries. Because it amends the state Constitution,
the proposal would go before the voters in a 2008 statewide election.
The coalition has continued to address some remaining concerns raised
in the Senate floor debate and in a special conference committee discussion
of redistricting reform. In her letter to the Assembly leaders (attached),
Jacobberger emphasized that amendments are ready to be made that will
address these questions.
"There is still time for SCA 3 to be amended and approved by the full
Legislature this session," noted Jacobberger. "It's a matter of whether
leaders in both houses have the desire and the will to make it happen.
This reform is basic to restoring trust in government and particularly
in the legislative process in California. The people of our state deserve
the opportunity to vote on this measure."
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