Rep. Digirolamo Introduces Redistricting Bill

HARRISBURG, PA — State Rep. Gene Digirolamo has introduced legislation that would change how political districts in Pennsylvania are drawn.

On Tuesday, the Republican lawmaker from Bensalem spoke at a rally for Fair Districts PA, a group pushing redistricting reform. His legislation, introduced last week, would create a committee with an equal number of Democrats and Republicans to study current map-making rules and suggest revisions.

"During my time in the House, both Democrats and Republicans have held the majority," DiGirolamo said. "No matter which party was in power, the House rules have had a tremendous impact on how public policy has been fashioned."

Under the resolution, the committee would be made up of 12 House Republicans and 12 House Democrats, appointed by the leader of both parties. The committee would have 60 days to study the chamber's redistricting rules and submit a final report with recommendations.

In order for the committee to have an official recommendation to the full House, two-thirds of its members would have to vote in favor of it.

"I’m optimistic that changes recommended in the final report would be adopted by the full House," DiGirolamo said. "Hopefully, this will lead to legislation with broad bipartisan support, such as instituting redistricting reforms, having a reasonable pathway to allow for a committee vote and debate on the floor of the full House."

Digirolamo, who has represented the Bensalem-based 18th House District since 1995, has entered the race for a seat on the Bucks County Commission. He currently is chairman of the House Human Services committee and announced he plans to keep his House seat while seeking a seat on the commission.