Governor Perdue Stresses Redistricting During Second Day of Statewide Fly-around
Wednesday, January 7, 2004 |
Contact: Office of Communications 404-651-7774
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Atlanta - Governor Sonny Perdue today focused on his plans for redistricting in the coming legislative session during the second day of his statewide fly-around. Perdue spoke to large and enthusiastic crowds in four cities - Rome, Chickamauga, Crandall, and Toccoa.
During each stop, Governor Perdue spoke directly to the issue of redistricting. "You recall how during the last round of redistricting, partisan lawmakers sliced and diced Georgia 's legislative maps. In the process, they broke apart communities, divided counties, and disenfranchised many voters," said Perdue. "There is no reason why one district has 15,000 more voters than a neighboring district. That's just not right."
To address redistricting, Governor Perdue announced that his floor leaders will introduce a "Principles of Redistricting" bill to put broken communities back together. The redistricting bill will strip partisanship out of the process and ensure that the State of Georgia clearly and convincingly follows the U.S. Constitution and federal law.
"I believe these principles will help us restore the kind of legislative process you want - one in which well-meaning people on both sides work together to move the state forward," added Perdue.
In addition to redistricting, Governor Perdue continued to stress that his budget and legislative package will focus on Georgia's children, jobs and long-term economic growth, and responsible budgeting that includes no tax increases.