Testimony from ADASEPA to the LRC
New House Map Works to Correct Representation Crisis Over the past decade, Pennsylvania grew in some of its vibrant small cities, due in large part to immigration and people coming from other states. Americans for Democratic Action, Southeastern PA, has been encouraged by the current redistricting process and the clear commitment by Chairman Nordenberg to ensuring that the new maps, and particularly the new House map, are truly representative of the changing electorate. Voters should pick their representatives; not the other way around. Pennsylvania’s recent history in this area is dark. We are known by other states for lines that unfairly favor one side and ensure a sustained Republican majority. This is not just a matter of Democrats vs. Republicans - it is a representation issue. People of color in Pennsylvania have essentially been drawn out of their own state house, with only 1 in 10 state legislators being non-white. Those elected to represent the public should look like them, live in the same community, and experience life in Pennsylvania alongside them. The current maps silence the voices of people of color. They dilute or erase the participation of these citizens by packing them into one district to limit their representation to one representative. This is wrong. All Pennsylvania residents deserve to have someone in Harrisburg who will fight for their values and work to solve the problems that exist in our communities. There have been criticisms that the new House map is a Democratic gerrymander, and is designed to ensure a Democratic majority. This couldn’t be further from the truth. The new House map still favors Republicans and creates opportunities for new voices to rise. Most importantly, it’s up to voters who wins the majority, not politicians in Harrisburg. Americans for Democratic Action, Southeastern PA, strongly urge the Legislative Reapportionment Commission to adopt the preliminary House map and ensure that the new maps are used in the 2022 primary, no matter what date the primary must be. The process has begun to right the wrongs of the past, and we must finish the job and put it into action urgently.