Here’s the press release from the North Carolina Coalition for Lobbying and Government Reform:
Rep. Ramsey Hailed for support of Non-Partisan Redistricting
Rep. Nathan Ramsey (R-Buncombe) joined the majority of his colleagues in the NC House of Representatives in sponsoring a bill that would change how redistricting is done in NC. Sixty-one legislators, Democrats and Republicans, are co-sponsors of H606, Non-Partisan Redistricting
The measure will take the politics out of the process by shifting the responsibility of drawing maps from lawmakers to an independent professional non partisan staff.
“What we are doing is good for everyone on North Carolina. We are creating the most efficient,forward looking redistricting process in the U.S” said Rep.Ramsey.
The co-sponsors, long time members and new legislators who hail from all parts of the state. The bill sets time limits for both staff and legislators and establishes clear criteria for drawing districts. Lawmakers agree a non-partisan redistricting process an important step forward.
In 2011, identical legislation passed overwhelming in the NC House, but the Senate failed to take action.
“The transparency of the process with explicit criteria will let citizens know that their needs and concerns come first. The bi-partisan support for the bill is a welcome change” stated Rep Ramsey.
If the bill passes both houses of the NC General Assembly, it will take effect in 2021 for the redistricting based upon the 2020 census. It would not affect the current unresolved lawsuits over the 2011 Redistricting.
“Rep. Ramsey and the sixty other sponsors of House Bill 606 deserve our thanks for putting the people ahead of partisan interests. We hope that both Houses will take action so that the new process will be in place for the next round of redistricting in 2021” , said Jane Pinsky, Director of the North Carolina Coalition for Lobbying and Government Reform.
The North Carolina Coalition for Lobby and Government Reform is a non partisan group of almost 50 groups and individuals, which works to make government more transparent and more responsive to the people of North Carolina.
Susan Fisher and Chuck McGrady also sponsored the bill.
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