Minnesota State Wire

Common Cause Minnesota has expressed concerns over the proposed legislation HF550, which they believe will perpetuate partisan gridlock. The organization, known for its advocacy of independent redistricting reforms, urges lawmakers to reject the bill.

HF550 proposes that partisan leaders in the legislature appoint members to a redistricting commission responsible for drawing new electoral maps. The proposal restricts current elected officials and certain public officials and their families from serving on the commission.

Annastacia Belladonna-Carrera, executive director of Common Cause Minnesota, criticized the bill stating, "This legislative session started with unacceptable levels of partisanship and gridlock and this bill will accelerate it. We’ve seen politicians repeatedly draw maps that favor partisanship and protect incumbents because partisan gerrymandering is the go-to voter suppression tactic nationwide. If Minnesota wants true redistricting reform that puts the people first, HF550 is not getting us there."

The debate over HF550 highlights ongoing tensions surrounding redistricting processes in Minnesota.