Peoria Standard

Rep. Ryan Spain (R-Peoria) recently expressed his disappointment regarding Democratic lawmakers’ non-partisan redistricting map-drawing process.

The Chicago Sun Times reported that while Gov. J.B. Pritzker had promised to ensure legislative boundaries were fairly drawn, he signed new maps into law last month without input from Republicans.

“Democrat leaders have had multiple opportunities to change the map-making process over the years, including several this session, but the majority party has chosen to follow the same old playbook by blocking any effort for independent redistricting,” Spain wrote in a June 22 Facebook post.

Citizens and lawmakers on both sides have offered plans to end the partisan practice of gerrymandering over the years, according to The Chicago Sun Times.

Pritzker said Republican lawmakers didn’t do anything to help create an independent redistricting commission. However, as The Chicago Sun Times reported, Republicans put forth two bills intended to establish such a commission without amending the constitution. Both proposals lacked support from Democratic leaders.

Pritzker’s spokeswoman told The Chicago Sun Times that the GOP legislation conflicts with the redistricting process laid out in the state constitution.