Kankakee Times

Illinois Senate Republican Redistricting Caucus Chair Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington) demanded the Senate prevent further delays of a hearing for the potential passing of redistricting reform legislation just before a session deadline.

"Everyone from the Senate President to the Governor has repeatedly expressed their support for redistricting reform. We have a proposal that has had bipartisan support in both chambers," Barickman said in an April Facebook post. The only reason to block attempts at reform is to allow one party to produce a purely partisan map. Why else would they would be hiding from this legislation now?"

Senate Bill 1325 presents a similar basis to  SJRCA 0004, an amendment drafted by Sen. Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield)  two years ago, calling for an independent redistricting commission, receiving the support of 37 co-sponsors, including 18 Democrats. Another amendment supporting the cause, co-sponsored by Speaker of the House Emanuel ‘Chris’ Welch (D-Westchester), passed the House with 105 votes in favor in 2016.

Barickman submitted a request for a third reading deadline legislation extension on April 21, while Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford (D-Chicago)  asked for it to be released to the Assignments Committee for the proper arrangement of a public hearing.

“The people of Illinois have been demanding that the Legislature take the power away from politicians to draw their own maps,” Barickman said. “It’s time that Democratic leaders listen to the people of Illinois and follow their own campaign promises to fix the system.”