Sangamon Sun

State Rep. Tim Butler (R-Springfield) lauded the House Redistricting Committee for listening to his request to hear from other districts.

Before kicking off his queries for the committee during the House Redistricting hearing in Western Illinois, Butler made sure to express his appreciation.

“I got a couple of questions but let me let me first say thank you Leader Hoffman and to the majority and Chairwoman Hernandez,” he said. “I appreciate the fact that you heard my concerns that significant areas the state hadn't been represented in hearings yet and I’m glad that we scheduled some for Western Illinois and Eastern Illinois.”

Because of the differing opinions between Democrats and Republicans with regard to the process of redrawing the maps, hearings are conducted in different locations which Butler is in favor of, especially getting insights from underrepresented areas.

“For a long time and because a lot of things especially from an infrastructure perspective have bypassed the western part of the state and its home to a lot of great communities from the Quad Cities down to Calhoun County,” Butler continued. “Places like Galesburg and Carthage in Monmouth and Beardstown and Quincy, a lot of great communities, as well as an important part of our state with its long length of the Mississippi River which is an important part of our state as well when it comes to getting things to market. I'm glad that we did this for the people of Western Illinois. They certainly deserve a voice just like everybody else. I appreciate the fact that we’ve had this hearing.”

While both parties agree to create fair maps, the ongoing process of redrawing legislative maps has met with heated debates at the House from both the Democrats and Republican lawmakers. Prior to one House redistricting hearing, Senate Redistricting Committee Chair State Sen. Omar Aquino (D-Chicago) and Vice-chair State Sen. Elgie Sims (D-Chicago) released the following statement:

“As Republicans nationwide seek to silence Black and Brown communities, Democrats in Illinois remain committed to the creation of a fair map that reflects the great diversity of our state. We have invited communities of interest across Illinois to participate in this process, including establishing an online portal that allows anyone to draw and submit their own proposed maps. Meanwhile, Republicans are presenting the public with a false choice by promoting legislation that is legally unsound. They know a bill cannot supersede the Illinois Constitution, which requires the General Assembly to undertake the redistricting process every ten years. Democrats are focused on inclusion, not legally questionable distractions.”

As the majority party in control of the State House, Senate and governor's mansion, Republicans are worried that the Democrats will draft a new map favoring their own party.

State Rep. Lisa Hernandez (D-Cicero) stated that “House Democrats are dedicated to transparency and public participation in the redistricting process.”

Republicans meanwhile, are pushing for a bill that will let the Supreme Court appoint non-partisan Illinois citizens to form an independent redistricting commission.