Senator Taylor Statement on Proposed Senate Maps

On Tuesday, Indiana Senate district maps were released by the Republican supermajority. Senate Democratic Leader Greg Taylor (D-Indianapolis) released the following statement:

“Despite what my Republican colleagues have claimed, I don’t agree that this redistricting process has been carried out in a transparent manner. The hearings in August excluded major communities of interest and legislators refused to answer constituent questions. The committee hearings last week barely gave Hoosiers time to review the maps let alone analyze them in enough detail to give comprehensive feedback.

“I appreciate that the Senate will have more time to analyze district maps before the public hearing next Monday, but that doesn’t change the fact that this process has been closed-off and restrictive of Hoosier engagement from the start. Hoosiers wanted more time and more meetings where they could actually have their questions and concerns answered. Instead, the committee meetings last week and the Senate one next week were scheduled during hours when people are at work and attending class.

“That’s why my caucus will be hosting three Public Input Sessions during the evening to give Hoosiers the opportunity to comment on the congressional and legislative maps. There is still time to make changes to these district maps before they’re finalized, and I encourage Hoosiers to review the proposed maps and attend our meetings to share any specific concerns they have. 

“We have also reached out to our Republican colleagues on the Senate Elections Committee to join these Public Input Sessions to give them the opportunity to address any Hoosier concerns or critiques with their maps.”

The Public Input Sessions are scheduled to be held:

• Thursday, September 23

The Diamond Center

500 E 5th Avenue; Gary, IN 

6 p.m. (CST)

• Friday, September 24

UAW Local 5

1426 S Main Street; South Bend, IN

5:30 p.m. (EST)

• Monday, September 27

Monroe County Public Library – Downtown

303 E Kirkwood Avenue; Bloomington, IN 

6:00 p.m. (EST)