Illinois State Representative Dan Swanson announced on April 24 that he voted against a proposed Constitutional amendment which would enshrine partisan gerrymandering in the state Constitution. Swanson said the amendment would allow the majority party to draw legislative districts to protect their power, which he argued would weaken voters’ influence in government.
The issue of redistricting is significant because it affects how legislative boundaries are drawn and can impact election outcomes for years. Swanson said Illinois already has some of the most unfair district maps in the country, and this proposal could worsen the situation by making it easier for legislators to select their voters rather than voters selecting their representatives.
“The proposed amendment would permanently embed one of the most flawed and partisan mapmaking systems in the country into the Illinois Constitution. It would allow the majority party to draw its own legislative districts to protect their power, causing voters to lose their voice in government. It was passed on a party line vote,” Swanson said. He also raised concerns about new rules that could allow non-contiguous districts as long as population numbers are equal.
Swanson noted that House Republicans have introduced an alternative Constitutional amendment that would create a bipartisan commission responsible for redistricting decisions.
In other news, unemployment in Illinois rose to 5% in February according to a report issued by the Illinois Department of Employment Security. The number increased from January’s revised figure of 4.9%, with total non-farm jobs falling by 17,800 during February. The largest job losses were seen in Construction and Trade, Transportation and Utilities sectors, while Government and Other Services experienced slight gains.
Swanson also reported on legislation passed by the House banning cell phone use by students during school hours at elementary and middle schools across Illinois. High school students will be allowed limited use during breaks or lunch periods under certain exceptions such as medical needs or individualized education programs. The bill received broad support from educators and passed with a vote of 102-3; it now moves to the Senate for consideration.
Additionally, Swanson invited residents to attend a free Veterans and Senior Fair scheduled for Wednesday April 29 at The Vault in Galesburg offering services including hearing screenings, haircuts for veterans, breakfast refreshments, and food collection efforts supporting local veterans’ assistance programs.
Swanson was elected as a Republican representative for Illinois’ 71st House District in 2023 after replacing Donald L. Moffitt according to Ballotpedia.
