Public Hearings Begin on Future of State

Public hearings that will allow South Floridians a chance to weigh in on the future of their state and congressional districts are gearing up.

 

The hearings begin Monday in Stuart and end Thursday in the Keys.

 

Attendees may find lawmakers short on specifics. Officials have yet to draw up proposed maps. Still residents can go to www.flsenate.gov/redistricting and design their own map for the

meetings.

 

Based on the 2010 U.S. Census, Florida must carve out two new congressional districts. Voters last year also approved amendments prohibiting state and federal districts from being drawn to favor incumbents or any political party, which will likely affect existing districts.

 

The GOP-leg legislature tried to block the amendments, and the State House and three Florida members of Congress are still challenging them in court.