In the near future, we will be introducing legislation to establish an independent commission where Pennsylvanian citizens can have a voice in drawing our congressional lines. Pennsylvanians deserve to vote in districts drawn in a transparent, fair way.

This legislation will establish an Independent Congressional Redistricting Commission consisting of commissioners registered with the Republican Party, Democratic Party, individuals in minority parties, and unaffiliated voters. Pennsylvania citizens will apply to be on the Commission through an open application process and the commissioners will reflect the diversity of our Commonwealth including age, race, ethnicity, gender, and the geography of our state. Elected officials, political party officers and staff, political consultants, and state and federal lobbyists will not be permitted to serve on this Commission. Applicants to the commission will also be required to disclose potential conflicts of interest.

The Commission will establish single-member congressional districts that:

• Shall comply with the United States Constitution and all applicable federal laws;
• Shall comply with the Constitution of the Commonwealth;
• Shall be geographically contiguous;
• Shall respect the integrity of communities of interest to the extent practicable, including avoiding splitting county township and city boundary splits to the extent possible; and
• May not be drawn to unduly favor or disfavor against a political party, candidate, or elected official.

The process will engage all stakeholders -- agencies, House and Senate leadership, committee chairs, and both the full House and Senate.

We look forward to working with all of you on this very important issue.