Census Confirms Maps Unconstitutional
Due to the recently released U.S. Census data, we know the Democrats’ proposed House districts include districts with population counts ranging from 92,390 (District 83) to 124,836 (District 5)—a difference of 32,446. This difference represents a total population range of 29.88 percent, which is three times the maximum range allowed by federal law. Therefore, the current maps are unconstitutional.
In response to these findings, House Republican Leader Jim Durkin and Senate Republican Leader Dan McConchie filed a motion for a summary judgment in federal court today to outline the facts and evidence presented in the case regarding the Democrat-drawn legislative maps. If the motion is granted by the court, the current map plan (HB 2777) will be declared unconstitutional and void without a lengthy trial. It will also provide an opportunity for the process to go to a bipartisan commission.
Fight over Mask Mandates in Schools
Governor Pritzker, along with the Illinois State Board of Education, continues to abuse executive order powers in order to mandate masks in schools. However, we are seeing pushback as thirty-two schools across the state have pushed back on the governor’s mandate. ISBE is threatening “probation” for any school that does not comply. Litigation over the mandate is expected.
I have long believed that these decisions, whether for masks or against, belong with parents and their locally elected school boards. I stand by this and will continue to fight for parents’ rights.