Mar 23, 2018 1 min read

Redistricting reforms needed

While I am pleased that the U.S. Supreme Court will allow the fairly drawn Pennsylvania congressional map to be implemented, this is not a permanent solution. This map will only be in effect for the 2018 and 2020 elections.

Pennsylvania needs an independent citizens’ commission to ensure that voting districts are fairly drawn permanently, without the influence of politicians.

The way to reform the redistricting process is to move forward with House Bill 722 and Senate Bill 22, which will establish a randomly selected independent citizens commission to draw voting districts.

It’s no accident that state House Speaker Mike Turzai and state Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati are not allowing a vote on these bills. They are protecting their own political interests at the expense of Pennsylvania voters. It’s time for an open debate on the two bills. Pennsylvania citizens deserve no less.

Jill Diskin

Pittsburgh