Gerrymandering HB 2420

Approximately a year and a half ago, lawmakers proposed amendments to the
constitution that would take Pennsylvania from second worst to first in how we
map out our borders in legislative districts. These bills remain in the House
and Senate State Government committees without action. However, last week HB
2420 was introduced by Rep. Steve Samuelson with 90 bi-partisan co-sponsors.
Rather than amend any other bill, this piece of legislation which is touted by
integrity advocates like the Womens League of Voters, should serve as the standard for drawing political lines. One of the highpoints of this bill is it takes the power out of the hands of Senate and House leaders. In order for HB 2420 to become law it must be passed by both the House and Senate in two successive sessions, be signed by Governor Rendell and then be approved by the voters in a ballot referendum on the ballot in the next General or Primary election.

Pennsylvania is one of the most gerrymandered states in the nation. The drawing lines make no geographical sense and the logic is only to keep incumbents safe. If change is to be effective by the next round of redistricting after the 2010 census, a constitutional amendment is needed. The time to pass an amendment requires that the first piece of legislation be passed by June, 2008. If that does not occur, redistricting reform will not happen until after the 2020 census. I urge you to contact Reps. James Wansacz and Ed Staback in these districts and ask them why they have not co-sponsored this bill. Have they co-sponsored another bill or proposal? Will they be one of twelve to join the 90 co-sponsors and advance this bill. Act now! Remember, when you hold a gerrymandered seat the only way you can lose your seat is in the primary election from within your own party. You never have to worry about being challenged in November. Sound familiar? F or summsry on HB 2420 go to www.palwv.org.