After many months of meetings and hearings, new legislative district maps have been announced. The lines must be redrawn every 10 years to conform to the new federal Census. Tradition dictates that the party that holds the majority in that house draws the lines. While several districts statewide in both houses have changed shape, perhaps the biggest change is in the New York State Senate. The Republican Party currently holds the Senate majority by a margin of 32-30. Under the new plan the Senate will increase from 62 Districts to 63, with a new district stretching from Ulster County to Montgomery County along the Mohawk River, splitting Albany is half.
Critics of the redistricting process include good-government groups, Senate Democrats and Governor Cuomo. Suggestions have been made to scrap the current process in favor of an independent system where a third party draws the lines.
The Governor’s spokesperson, Josh Vlasto has stated that the Governor will veto this plan and that a better process is need.
And for those of you that would like a history and government lesson, click here for an article that appeared in the Albany Times Union a few weeks ago which explains the math used to determine the number of seats New York should have in each house of the legislature based on county population.
We will keep you updated!
Sincerely,
Jessica
Jessica Klos Shapiro
Policy Associate
(518) 690-4217 ex. 32
jkloss@earlycareandlearning.org
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