Minnesota State Wire

Common Cause Minnesota, in partnership with community-led groups, is urging legislative leaders to pass redistricting reform legislation as a standalone bill. Annastacia Belladonna-Carrera, the executive director of Common Cause Minnesota, stressed the importance of a clean amendment backed by years of community work and input to pass this session. Belladonna-Carrera highlighted the significance of having an independent commission draw districts that truly represent communities of color and Native Nations without the risk of legal challenges or losing public support due to unrelated topics.

The grassroots With Us, For Us Redistricting Amendment bill (HF4593/SF4894) is the focal point of this push for reform. Belladonna-Carrera expressed concerns about the multi-part constitutional amendment proposed by House leadership, emphasizing the need for redistricting and legislative ethics topics to stand on their own merit. She mentioned the importance of ensuring that Minnesotans' voices are heard in the redistricting process and called for an ethical legislature that prevents legislators from transitioning into lobbyists.

The redistricting reform bill, HF4593, is currently under consideration in the House rules committee, awaiting passage for a full House vote. Belladonna-Carrera reiterated the importance of a clean and independent redistricting process, stating, "Minnesotans deserve to have their voices heard in redistricting and they deserve an ethical legislature that closes the door to having legislators cash in as lobbyists. These topics should stand on their own."