Lawmakers will offer two redistricting maps for special session
'I think it's a good compromise' senator says
'I think it's a good compromise' senator says
'I think it's a good compromise' senator says
A special legislative committee called a cease-fire with tensions rising on party lines over redrawing new election borders.
The committee will now send two sets of redistricting maps to the entire Legislature when it convenes in a special session next week.
"Let the public weigh in on every map that we have produced," said committee chairwoman State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan, a Republican.
"I think it's a good compromise right now to just put them both out there and get feedback," said vice-chair State Sen. Justin Wayne, a Democrat.
One of the main points of contention is redrawing Nebraska's Second Congressional District.
Linehan's version crafted by Republican senators splits Douglas County and adds parts of Sarpy and Saunders Counties including Gretna and parts of Bellevue.
"Our map follows well-recognized borders, I-680 North and Dodge street North and all of Sarpy County, and all Saunders County, there's a very recognizable border," Linehan said.
Democrats want to protect Nebraska's 'blue dot,' which has won their party a Presidential Electoral vote in 2008 and 2020,
"Well, it splits the core. Every map that I've drawn, I tried to make sure the core was intact. And what I mean by that is Douglas County is the core," Wayne said.
Wayne's map also includes Olde Towne Bellevue and Offutt Air Force Base.
"We believe that part of that old Bellevue matches the core of Douglas County, more so than Gretna," Wayne said.
Tempers also flared over Legislative redistricting maps.
State Sen. Adam Morfeld believed he had an agreement with other Lincoln senators about the Legislative Districts in Lancaster County.
He said he found Sunday that Linehan's map moves State Sen. Anna Wishart out of district and he claims "packs" progressive voters into State Sen. Patty Pansing Brooks district.
"I knew on Sunday night, when key senators reneged on a good faith agreement, that there would not be good faith and this process starting out," Morfeld said.
When Morfeld brought up the issue during the committee meeting, Linehan said she made no agreement.
"You've made it clear you don't want to negotiate," Linehan said.
"That is not true. What I a saying is that it is important that people uphold their agreements and it's a trust issue," Morfeld said.
Following that exchange, Linehan suggested that both sets of maps be introduced.
"What we're doing is introducing two bills. So the public will have a chance to support or not support or make comment on both bIlls," Linehan said.
Wayne said the compromise was well-timed.
"Some of our colleagues literally have spent 14 hours in the map room, so it doesn't postpone the fight, I think it gives us a little opportunity to breathe," Wayne said.
The Legislative Special Session is scheduled to convene Monday at 10 a.m.
The public will get to weigh in on the bills at three different hearings.
- September 14 at 1:30 p.m.
Central Community College, 3134 W. Hwy 34
Room 555, Health Science Education Center
3134 W. Hwy 34
Grand Island, Nebraska
- Sept. 15 at 9:00 a.m.
Nebraska State Capitol Building
1445 K St.
Room 1524
Lincoln, Nebraska
- Sept. 16
Scott Conference Center
6450 Pine St.
Omaha, Nebraska