AOTL Florida Responds to Lack of Meaningful Public Input Opportunities in the Redistricting Process for Floridians
For Immediate Release:
September 20, 2021
Contact:
Fabiola Rodriguez
rodriguez@redistrictingaction.org
Process should be more accessible to allow people to provide their input
Today, the Senate Reapportionment Committee met for the first time to share information about Florida’s upcoming redistricting process. Given what was discussed at this meeting, All On The Line Florida calls on the committee to release a plan around public input opportunities for Floridians to participate in the redistricting process. The committee must allow virtual verbal public input, especially due the ongoing pandemic, and expand on the hours and locations that public opportunities are made available.
“At this point during the last redistricting cycle, public hearings were well underway, therefore it’s extremely concerning that planning for this decade’s process is just beginning. Legislative leaders have had plenty of time to create a public input plan for Floridians to participate in, yet we are expected to drive to Tallahassee, during work hours, to have an opportunity to have our voice heard. And even then, we are not guaranteed the opportunity to speak at any of these meetings,” said Katie Vicsik, Florida All On The Line State Director.
“All of these barriers discourage people from participating in this process that should be driven by public input. Submitting a written comment is not enough. The committee must hear from and be responsive to the Floridians who will be impacted by the maps they create for the next decade. It’s important that the committee take that role serious by being responsive to the will of the people they were elected to serve. That’s why All On The Line calls on the committee to expand upon public input opportunities by creating additional hearing locations, including virtual options, and hosting hearings during evening and weekend hours that allow for participation in the process. Every Floridian must be given equal opportunity to provide public input in this decade’s redistricting process,” continued Vicsik.
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