CHICAGO, IL -The Senate’s Redistricting Committee will meet next Tuesday to continue a series of subject-matter hearings regarding how Illinois should best approach its redistricting process. The second hearing of the committee will include an overview of redistricting legal principles and requirements. The hearing will also include testimony on a review of the redistricting process in other states.

"The hearing is another step in what I hope to be a comprehensive review of the redistricting process," Raoul said. "The first hearing served as Redistricting 101 for many; now we’re prepared to address some of the intricacies."

"The hearing is another step in what I hope to be a comprehensive review of the redistricting process..."With all of the myths and spin regarding the upcoming redistricting process, Chairman Kwame Raoul aimed the first meeting of the committee at informing legislators and the public on the basics of the redistricting process. The hearing included an overview of the history of Illinois redistricting, census data and the legal requirements for redistricting.

"Clearly this subject matter is vital to the future of this state. Not only did the public take great interest in the first hearing, a couple of my Democratic colleagues who aren’t on the committee were in attendance," Raoul added. "I expect the enthusiasm about these discussions to continue as we head to Springfield."

WHAT: Senate Committee meets to discuss redistricting
WHO: Senate Redistricting Committee
DATE: Tuesday, August 18, 2009
TIME: 11:00 a.m.
WHERE: Committee Room 212
             Illinois State House
             Springfield, IL