TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA) — The debate over whether to re-draw the state’s congressional maps is intensifying in Tallahassee. Another rally was held outside the statehouse while lawmakers discussed the issue inside.In a packed committee room at the statehouse Thursday, Floridians quickly filed into their seats, hoping they’d get the chance to make their voices heard.
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Thursday’s meeting was an educational one, as lawmakers listened to a presentation about current laws on the books and how redistricting would go, if and when the legislature chooses to do so.“Let me be very clear, our work as a committee and as a legislative body is not directed by the work of other states or partisan gamesmanship,” said Mike Redondo (R-Miami).
And while Chair Redondo said there will be no partisan map making coming from the house, members of the public didn’t buy it, audibly laughing out loud, saying Floridians have been shutout of this process so far.
And after traveling from all corners of the state, there was no public comment.“I am quite disappointed actually that today for a hearing that was scheduled to last an hour, that they adjourned the meeting with time still on the clock,” said Genesis Robinson with Equal Ground Florida.
As of now, leaders at the capitol remain on different pages. The house is eager to begin the conversation and learn next moves; the senate is taking a slow approach; and the governor has his eyes on a spring special session.“We’re going to do it, and part of it is we’re going to be forced to do it because I think the Supreme Court’s VRA decision is going to impact the current map,” said Governor Ron DeSantis…