Redistricting Top Priority for Lawmakers

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — Legislators normally return to their extended Sessions in late June, if necessary. But due to having to redraw state House, Senate and Congressional lines, they gathered at the State House Tuesday to get back to work early. Also on the table during the two week wrap-up, is debating a six-billion-dollar spending plan, deciding on an illegal immigration law and taking up vetoes. Because South Carolina’s population increased to more than 4.5 million over the last 10 years, district lines must be redrawn, creating new ones, including a new, seventh, congressional district. Lawmakers we spoke with say completing redistricting is paramount to the voting rights of South Carolinians. Any decisions made by lawmakers must be approved by the U. Department of Justice due to the state’s past voting rights violations. The Senate has scheduled a public hearing on the issue of redistricting. It will be held Monday, June 20, 2011, beginning at 5:00 pm, in Room 308 of the Gressette Office Building, Columbia, SC. After the public hearing, all Congressional Redistricting plans will be considered by the Senate Redistricting Subcommittee as well as the Senate Judiciary Committee.