Redistricting effective November 2012 It has been over a month since the General Assembly adjourned for the year, concluding the 2011 legislative session. House Republicans brought forth many reforms that will positively shape our state's education system, immigration policy and abortion regulations, in addition, the Legislature continued to support fiscally conservative policies to foster economic development. Many of these laws were effective upon enactment, but most take effect beginning July 1st, or even January 1st 2012. However, the new legislative maps which will govern the election of our state and Congressional officials do not go into effect until the 2012 election in November. Every ten years, upon completion of a new federal decennial census, the General Assembly redraws district boundaries. Due to population shifts, legislative districts either change quite a bit or hardly at all. This year, the House and Senate conducted nine meetings across the state of Indiana to hear from citizens about how to make the new districts more understandable for voters as well as foster a greater degree of communication between Hoosiers and their elected Representatives. Newly elected members following the November 2012 election will represent the new districts that were passed this session. The maps that were enacted by the Legislature garnered bipartisan support and followed our state's constitutional obligations. I commend the excellent work of Rep. Koch and Rep. Richardson along with all of the members of the House and Senate Election & Apportionment committees. Representatives from the House and Senate committees conducted the public hearings across the state listening to constituents and gathering their thoughts to ensure fair maps were drawn. As the state representative for the 67th district, I currently represent Decatur County, most of Rush and Ripley Counties and a part of Franklin County. While there might be some overlap with the new district, it is important to note that I currently do not represent the new district which covers all of Switzerland and Ohio Counties with portions of Ripley, Dearborn, Jennings, Jefferson and Decatur Counties. To review the new districts please visit: I encourage everyone from District 67 to contact me with his or her questions or concerns by e-mail to h67@in.gov or by phone at (317) 234-3827. As always, I feel privileged to represent you and look forward to hearing from you. State Representative Randy Frye -30- |
