January 25, 2012

Senate Democratic Leader Says Redistricting Ruling Honors Constitution

Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) released the following statement in response to the PA Supreme Court's decision to remand the 2011 redistricting plan:
           "We are pleased to learn that the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the many petitioners who filed an appeal to the Legislative Reapportionment Commission's final plan. We are grateful that the Supreme Court honored Pennsylvania's Constitution and Commonwealth voters. It is a very important matter, and it is the responsibility of the reapportionment commission to devise a plan that is true to both the Constitution and the voters of Pennsylvania. Counties and communities must have their voices heard in Harrisburg, and our goal was to make sure that the 2011 redistricting process achieved that.
           We are thankful that the Court and the many petitioners understood the concerns of the voters who took the time and effort to express their concerns to both the Commission and ultimately the Court. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court acted with respect for the Constitution, communities across our Commonwealth, and the voters.
           We await the state Supreme Court's direction regarding drafting a new reapportionment plan for the Commonwealth."