WAUWATOSA – Today, Governor Tony Evers signed Executive Order 66 creating “The People’s Maps Commission,” a nonpartisan redistricting commission that will draw new legislative districts following the 2020 Census. Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes joined State Representative Robyn Vining (D-Wauwatosa) and Wauwatosa Mayor Kathy Ehley at a press conference in Wauwatosa today in support of this commission. Rep. Vining issued the following statement following the press event:
“We’re here today energized by a renewed sense of hope to right the wrongs of partisan gerrymandering, and introduce The People’s Maps Commission. I believe in one person, one vote. I believe in the voice of the people. I believe in frequent and fair elections. I believe in sunlight and transparency in the democratic process, and maps that are drawn without secrecy agreements.
“Last year, I authored the Fair Maps bill to create a nonpartisan redistricting process for Wisconsin. I am thankful that Governor Evers and Lieutenant Governor Barnes support the bipartisan Fair Maps efforts and is continuing our work in 2020 to promote good government and a fair democracy. After all, voters should get to choose their politicians, politicians should not get to choose their voters.
“We have seen how gerrymandered maps insulate legislators from the voice of the people. We have seen the people of Wisconsin speak up on issues like Fair Maps, accepting federal health care dollars, universal background checks, the Safe Harbor bill protecting children who are victims of sex trafficking, the sexual assault kit bill after the backlog created by the last administration, and the Dark Store Loophole. We have watched as legislators, insulated in districts protected by partisan gerrymandering, block legislation because they are insulated. The American value of frequent and fair elections is not capable of holding these legislators accountable without fair maps.
“I stand here today with Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes, and the people of Wisconsin, to amplify the voices of the people calling for fair maps — the People’s Maps. The will of the people is the law of the land. The voice of the people is the heart of this state. Forward together.”
Rep. Vining represents the 14th Assembly District, which includes parts of Brookfield, Wauwatosa, and Milwaukee. For more information, visit Rep. Vining’s website here.
