Sen. Tracy blasts Dems over map process

SPRINGFIELD – State Sen. Jil Tracy (R-47, Quincy) said the legislative map released last Friday evening clearly shows Democratic leaders have “chosen politicians over people”, despite an earlier pledge by Governor Pritzker to veto any partisan-drawn map.

“What a disappointment that despite earlier indications of bipartisan input and cooperation, the Governor is backpedaling on an earlier pledge to support a more independently-drawn map,” Tracy said. “And of course, there is nothing deliberate about introducing new legislative boundaries on a Friday evening after the Senate has adjourned for the week.”

Tracy told Muddy River News that Republican Senators were given a cursory look at the map before it was release to to the public around 7 p.m. Friday It was their first glance the new legislative district boundaries, as the months-long redistricting process was done in private.

“Throughout this whole process, 75 percent of Illinoisans have been telling us they want more transparency. They are fed up with closed-door, politically-drawn maps,” Tracy said. “What good is asking people for input when you ignore their suggestions? Lawmakers should be doing all they can to earn the trust of the people. We should give them fair representation through an independent commission that considers their input.”

Tracy also said the map does not use census data. Instead, Democrats used data from the American Community Survey (ACS). Tracy said redistricting is supposed to be based on demographic changes as revealed by the Census, and should not be using what she called inaccurate polling data.

Senate and House Republicans recently introduced the People’s Independent Maps Act that would create a truly independent commission to draw maps and take political insiders out of the process. Senate Bill 1325 uses identical language from SJRCA 4, a constitutional amendment for an independent redistricting commission introduced by State Sen. Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) in 2019. That resolution garnered 37 co-sponsors in the Senate, including 18 Democrats. A similar independent commission amendment co-sponsored by House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) passed the House in 2016 with 105 “Yes” votes.