Republican gerrymandering of Federal congressional districts in Pennsylvania attempted to negatively impact Democratic voters in 2012-13 Presidential election, as did similiar (and more successful) efforts with State redistricting. Now they're now trying a different tactic: reducing the number of state representatives and senators by 25%. This is a warning for PA Progressives (see more below the fold.)
Normally I'd be happy that the PA capitol (Harrisburg) was looking for cost savings within the legislature instead of cutting funding to programs in education, social welfare or the environment. But a new 'reform' effort led by House Speaker Sam Smith ( R-66th) needs to be watched very closely by PA progressives. He is sponsoring two bills - HB 1234 and HB 1716 - aimed at reducing the number of State Representatives and Senators by 25% in each chamber (203 to 153 in the House, 50 to 38 in the Senate.) If history is any indication, this move does not bode well for voters in the state.
I received an email this morning from my State representative Rep. Bill Adolph (R-165th) describing his efforts to support the two bills. He included a press release that touted the cost savings they would provide, and how the bills would help end 'gridlock in Government'. My question is: gridlock caused by whom? Harrisburg, and PA government in general, is controlled by a Republican majority. How will less representatives in government make things better?
Democrats in Pennsylvania all remember how the gerrymandering of state and federal districts by the Republicans majority prior to the last Presidential election worked out. It unnecessarily complicated the congressional districts (like my own own 7th CD) and made it harder for Democrats to have their voices heard across the state.
I think these two bills need to be watched closely and challenged now. Cost savings are always hard to verify, even with straightforward budget issues. But reducing representation in government is NOT going to help if all it does is eliminate Democtatic representation by gerrymandering PA districts to Republican advantage.