FGGAM NEWS received this news release last night:
Bipartisan redistricting bill moves forward, paving way for fair representation in New Mexico
Santa Fe, NM – A bipartisan effort to create an independent commission for redistricting legislative boundaries was heard in its first committee today (Monday). House Bill 211, the Redistricting Act, sponsored by Rep. Rebecca Dow (R-TorC), Rep. Kelly Fajardo (R-Los Lunas), and Rep. Natalie Figueroa (D-Albuquerque) along with twenty-five other bipartisan sponsors, has steadily gained steam as the deadline to redistrict with the 2020 Census rapidly approaches.
“Fair and independent redistricting is something we can all agree on, which is pretty rare in Santa Fe,” said Representative Rebecca Dow (TorC). “Hyper partisanship builds distrust in the work that we do, and if we can take a step forward in rebuilding public trust in the Roundhouse, with both sides of the aisle in agreement, then why wouldn’t we move forward with this bill?”
Representative Natalie Figueroa (Albuquerque) said, “It’s past time for a fair and transparent redistricting process in our state. All New Mexicans, regardless of party affiliation, should be secure in knowing that their voices will be heard and represented equally and I believe this bill does that.”
The bipartisan redistricting effort passed the House State Government, Indian and Veterans Affairs Committee unanimously. HB 211 will next be heard in the House Judiciary Committee, before moving to the full chamber for final passage.
“There are those out there that will say, let’s slow this down and make it a constitutional amendment or take it up another time- New Mexico cannot afford to kick the can down the road on this issue,” said Representative Kelly Fajardo (Los Lunas). “An independent redistricting commission will create a level of transparency and take politics out of redistricting in New Mexico. If it’s been successfully implemented in other states, what’s stopping us from getting it done to fairly represent every New Mexican?”
