Chairs reach bipartisan agreement on legislative redistricting map
June 8th, 2011 . by DanitaJune 7, 2011
Salem, OR – The Co-Chairs of the House Redistricting Committee and Chair and Vice-Chair of the
Senate Redistricting Committee announced today that have reached an agreement on a legislative
redistricting map. If passed by both chambers and signed by the Governor, this would be the first
redistricting map drawn by the Legislature and adopted into law in several decades.
“This bipartisan agreement represents the first step towards approving a final legislative redistricting
plan for the next decade,” said Representative Shawn Lindsay (R-Hillsboro). “This is an excellent
example of how Democrats and Republicans can work together for the people of Oregon.”
The proposed map is based on hours of public testimony. It honors the statutory requirements to create
districts of equal population, not divide communities of interest, and connect communities within
districts by transportation links.
“This bipartisan proposal is the result of hours of testimony and work by both the House and Senate
committees,” said Senator Suzanne Bonamici (D-NW Portland/Washington Co.). “We heard the public
when they overwhelmingly encouraged us to reach a plan within the Legislature.”
The House and Senate Committees on Redistricting will take additional public testimony on the
proposed bill, including proposed maps, later this week.
“We’ve managed to put many of our differences aside in what is typically a very partisan process,” said
Representative Chris Garrett (D-Lake Oswego). “Reaching bipartisan agreement on this plan is a major
achievement for this Legislature.”
“This is an accomplishment that Oregon can be proud of,” said Senator Chris Telfer (R-Bend). “A
bipartisan redistricting map represents the legislature at its best, working together and finding common
ground, even in the face of big obstacles. This is a fair and bipartisan plan that will give Oregonians
quality representation over the next ten years.”
Press Contacts:
Molly Woon, Senate Majority Office (503) 986-1074
Michael Gay, Senate Republican Office (503) 986-1955
Nick Smith, House Republican Office (503) 986-1907
Geoff Sugerman, House Democratic Office (503) 986-1351
