Harrisburg – September 13, 2012 — State Sen. Jay Costa (D-Allegheny), the Senate Democratic leader, issued a statement concerning two issues that were before the state Supreme Court today.
The Court heard arguments today on the voter ID law that will require all voters to show a valid photo ID when they cast their vote in the General Election in November, as well as the challenges to the 2012 legislative reapportionment plan.
“Two exceptionally important cases were before the state Supreme Court today. Both cases involve the ability of citizens to cast votes and be guaranteed fair elections so they have a voice in their government.
“The voter ID case involves the ability of all citizens to cast their vote on Election Day. There is no evidence of voter fraud and obstacles to voting should not be permitted. The requirement that voters have photo ID before their vote is counted will cause immediate harm for seniors, the poor, students and others.
“As a plaintiff in the legislative reapportionment case, I asked the court to throw out the partisan political plan that was approved by the Legislative Reapportionment Commission so that a new, fair, and constitutional map can be drafted. This is the second time that a flawed plan has been before the court. The plan has too many county splits and is too skewed politically to pass constitutional muster.
“I am confident that the court will carefully consider each of these cases and make appropriate rulings that protect the ability of citizens to vote and be represented fairly.”
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Harrisburg, November 23, 2011 – Wrapping up the last of two public hearings on the Legislative Reapportionment Commission’s preliminary plan, testimony given to the commission today was overwhelmingly critical of the plan approved 3-2 along party lines.[audio:https://senatorcosta.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/reapportionment-last-hearing-costa-wrap.mp3|titles=reapportionment-last-hearing-costa-wrap]
Senator Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) who is a member of the commission and voted against the preliminary plan issued the following statement:
“I am very proud of the people who traveled on a day where travel is not always convenient as folks prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday. They feel strongly, and I respect their efforts to be heard. The plan was, among other things, described today as ‘a failure in the name of political expediency’ and ‘an abomination’ — assessments with which, in some cases, I have to agree. I can only hope the pleas of those who testified do not fall on deaf ears. I certainly heard the frustration coming through loud and clear.
“Once criticized as ‘the consummate insiders’ game’ redistricting must be pursued in a fair and balanced way, particularly at a time when the public is growing more cynical and distrustful of their public officials.
“As witnessed by repeated testimony at two public hearings held at the Capitol, there are deep concerns about the partisan nature of the preliminary redistricting plan before the commission right now. The ease in which constituents can access their elected leaders has clearly taken a backseat to party interests.
“We will continue to lay out our exceptions to the plan and hope for a more fair, equitable and balanced product as a result.”
The window for public comment expires on November 30, 2011.
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September 14, 2011 -- Duquense Law School Dean Ken Gormley (far left) welcomes participants to the public hearing conducted by the Legislative Reapportionment Commission.
The commission heard public testimony regarding the upcoming redrawing of Pennsylvania’s legislative district lines.
Learn more about the process
