JEFFERSON CITY— In the Senate’s first step to prepare for its constitutionally mandated task of determining Congressional redistricting following the 2010 Decennial Census, Senate President Pro Tem Charlie Shields, R-St. Joseph, recently announced the creation of the Senate Select Committee on Redistricting . The committee is charged with performing all duties necessary for the General Assembly to prepare for its role in the census.
In Missouri, Congressional redistricting is the responsibility of the Legislature. The task of redrawing the state’s 34 Senatorial districts and 163 House districts is assigned to two bipartisan commissions appointed by the governor.
Senator Shields named Sen. Scott T. Rupp, R-Wentzville, as chairman and Sen. Brad Lager, R-Savannah, as vice chairman. Other senators named to the committee include: Senate Minority Leader Sen. Victor Callahan, D-Independence; Sen. Jason Crowell, R-Cape Girardeau; Sen. David Pearce, R-Warrensburg; and Sen. Robin Wright-Jones, D-St. Louis.
The U.S. Census forms will be mailed to households beginning in March 2010. Census takers will continue to collect census data from those who do not return their census forms through July. By law, the Census Bureau must deliver population data to the President of the United States in December for reapportionment. Also by law, the Census Bureau must complete delivery of redistricting data to states by March 2011.
The Legislature must draw and approve new Congressional districts during the 2011 regular session, or face a special session, to ensure proper filing in February 2012 for Congressional District candidates.
The Second Regular Session of the 95th Missouri General Assembly begins at noon on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2010. For more information about the Missouri Senate, visit www.senate.mo.gov . To contact the Senate Newsroom, call (573) 751-3824 or e-mail newsroom@senate.mo.gov .
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