Thursday, February 19, 2009

State Senator Creigh Deeds, D-25 (Candidate for Governor) on Redistricting Reform

Contact: Sen. Creigh Deeds
(804) 698-7525

February 19, 2009

With just nine days left in this legislative session, I presented nine of my Senate bills on Tuesday to my colleagues in the House of Delegates. One of my bills that came up in committee was my proposal for redistricting reform, which is near and dear to me. At an early morning hearing, I presented my Senate bill to take politics out of the drawing of legislative and congressional districts. Despite receiving unanimous support for my proposal in the Senate, four Republicans on the subcommittee defeated my proposal.

While I was disappointed with this outcome, the fight for bipartisan redistricting is not over. Government ultimately belongs to the people, not elected officials. Our broken redistricting process allows for legislators to protect their own interests by drawing districts that protect incumbents and political majorities. When I'm Governor, Virginia voters will be the ones to choose their elected officials instead of allowing legislators to choose their voters. I will create a bipartisan redistricting commission and use the veto and amendment process to create competitive congressional and legislative districts.

I mentioned last week that we are facing the largest budget shortfall in Virginia history. We have received both good news and bad news since I last wrote. Word came over the weekend that Virginia tax revenue fell by more than 15 percent during the month of January—the largest drop in more than ten years. Earlier this week, good news came our way when President Obama signed the federal stimulus package. Stimulus money will help us address the budget shortfall and will keep Virginia moving forward, especially the funding that will be set aside for investment in our transportation infrastructure.

The choices we face aren't getting any easier, but we are going to come out of this session with a balanced budget. During the budget process, I will continue to stand up for you in Richmond. I will fight to protect Virginia jobs, make health care more affordable, and keep our investment in education all across the Commonwealth.

I'm pleased to serve on the Privileges and Elections; Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources; Transportation; and, Courts of Justice Committees. If you ever have a question, comment or concern about bills before me in the General Assembly—whether you were tracking them on Richmond Sunlight or read about them in your local newspaper—please contact my legislative assistant Davis Walsh at (804) 698-7525 or at senatordeeds@embarqmail.com.

Very Truly Yours,



Creigh Deeds

P.S. There are only nine days left in this session. I want to hear from you.