Join us for Redistricting Hearings It was announced on Friday, March 18 that redistricting hearings will be held this coming Friday and Saturday across the state. Redistricting is required after each census to ensure equal representation in the House, Senate and congressional House seats. The Indiana House has 100 seats; the Indiana Senate has 50. You can see firsthand how Indiana's population and these districts have changed on the Indiana Business Research Center's website: http://www.stats.indiana.edu/ and click on Redistricting. District 74, which covers portions of Warrick, Spencer, Perry and Dubois counties, has seen an increase in population of approximately 1.5%. However, the state of Indiana grew 6.6%. This will require District 74 to be expanded and adjusted to accommodate the changes in our and surrounding districts. In addition to our Indiana House maps, the Indiana Senate and U.S. congressional district maps will be redrawn as well. These new district maps will determine in which district you will reside and be represented for the next 10 years. I sought to serve on the Election and Apportionment Committee to ensure fair district would be drawn. Like many of you, I am disturbed by the gerrymandering and unusual patterns of some districts. Now is your chance to have your voice heard and help with the redistricting process. Tell us what is important to you. For instance, what communities should be kept together and/or what other criteria should be considered? Please join us at one of four sessions scheduled for southern Indiana:· Friday, March 25, 11:00 a.m. ET in Terre Haute [Rose Hulman, Myers Building, 5500 Wabash Ave.] · Friday, March 25, 5:30 p.m. CT in Evansville [Ivy Tech, 3501 N. First Ave.] · Saturday, March 26, 10:00 a.m. ET in Jeffersonville [Jeffersonville High School, 2315 Allison Lane] · Saturday, March 26, 2:30 p.m. ET in Columbus [Columbus East High School, 230 S. Marr Road] If you are unable to attend one of these sessions, I welcome your feedback. Feel free to e-mail me at h74@iga.in.gov with your considerations for this important once per decade decision.
-30- Rep. Sue Ellspermann (R-Ferdinand)
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