House sets redistricting hearings

SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois House has scheduled 15 hearings — including a handful in the suburbs — to take testimony on the every-decade task of redrawing political boundaries.

The hearings will be in McHenry on Saturday, April 16; Aurora and Elgin on Monday, April 18; and Waukegan on Tuesday, April 19. Others will be in Chicago, downstate, and in the South Suburbs.

Lawmakers are in the process of reviewing census data and determining how to change districts for Congress and the Illinois General Assembly. Because the suburbs have gained significant population in the last 10 years, the area could see big changes in its political leadership.

The redistricting process can be one of the most fiercely contested political tasks lawmakers take up each decade.

In announcing the hearings, House Speaker Michael Madigan called the 2011 process “more open than ever.”

“Illinois residents want greater participation in the process,” he said in a statement.

Good-government groups, however, have asked for both the House and Senate to hold hearings after a map has been drawn so people can comment on an actual proposal.

Senate hearings have already begun.

Most of the times and locations for the suburban hearings have yet to be determined. The Aurora hearing will be at 1:30 p.m. Monday at the Illinois Math and Science Academy, 1500 Sullivan Road.

In the meantime, Republicans in the House and Senate are making a room in Chicago’s James R. Thompson Center available by appointment for people who want to use map-drawing software or ask staff members questions.

“Many interested groups and members of the public have expressed interest in drawing their own districts and maps during this very important process,” House Republican Leader Tom Cross of Oswego said in a statement. “We are making our equipment, including computers, software and staff, available to anyone who is interested in this process.”

People who draw maps can take them home. To set up an appointment, call (312) 814-2053.