Redistricting Milestones

It did not seem like an auspicious day. Wednesday, January 25, 2012 was a relatively balmy day, especially compared with the cold and icy weekend preceding it. The day was much like every other day – that is, until I got the news. It was 4:24 p.m. – that time in winter when twilight begins to overcome the daylight.

Two words were sufficient to sum up the whole of the news – we won. The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, after less than 48 hours of deliberation, had reached a decision in my first redistricting case. It was really a win for the Pennsylvania constitution and for the people.

On the one year anniversary of this decision, it seemed fitting to briefly revisit the key events that marked my path in this first leg of my redistricting journey.

September 7, 2011: Present my first testimony to the Legislative Reapportionment Commission (LRC) regarding both the House and Senate districts. This is before any the LRC drew their maps.

October 31, 2011: The LRC adopts a Preliminary Plan of the House and Senate.

November 18, 2011: Present my second testimony.

December 12, 2011: The LRC adopts a Final Plan for the House and Senate.

January 23, 2012: Pennsylvania Supreme Court hears oral arguments

January 25, 2012: The Pennsylvania Supreme Court renders their decision that the Final Reapportionment Plan is contrary to law.

February  3, 2012: The Pennsylvania Supreme Court released their full 87 page majority opinion.

As most know, this opinion remanded the plan to the LRC. The revised plan was challenged and appeals filed by July 9. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court heard oral arguments on September 13.

It has been quite a journey so far and it is not over yet. As of this writing, their has been no decision in the case.