Today, Ohio Senate Minority Leader Kenny Yuko (D-Richmond Heights) and House Minority Leader Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington)  revealed a new version of Senate Bill (SB) 237, a Democratic congressional map proposal introduced last fall. The updated map complies with all constitutional requirements and reflects the preferences of Ohio voters.

“What we are proposing today is a fair map that fulfills the spirit of the reforms adopted by Ohioans in 2018. The Supreme Court has given us clear instructions on what needs to be done. It is possible to pass a constitutional congressional map and meet the deadline to redraw new state legislative maps – we just need to work together,” said Leader Yuko.

SB 237 adheres to all provisions of the Ohio Constitution and the U.S. Constitution, as well as federal laws, including those that protect racial minorities and voting rights. The plan does not illegally split contiguous municipalities or townships in any district in the state, and counties are only split to account for population requirements. The updated Democratic proposal reduces the number of paired incumbents in the same district from four sets to one.

“Our congressional map proposal keeps communities together, reflects the preferences of Ohio voters, and follows the Constitution. Most importantly, it does not unduly favor or disfavor a political party, in compliance with the Court’s ruling. There are multiple pathways to achieve the fair, constitutional map that Ohioans deserve, and our updated map is yet another example demonstrating this legislature can deliver a fair map that complies with the court order and the Ohio Constitution,” said Leader Russo.

The General Assembly has until Feb. 13 to adopt a congressional map that complies with the Ohio Constitution and the Ohio Supreme Court’s order.

Original source can be found here.