Message From Sen. Solobay: Redistricting Came As Surprise

After months of preliminary discussions, House and Senate Republicans sprung a surprise this week, revealing a reapportionment plan that drew criticism from Democrats and good-government groups.

Although the two Democrats on the Legislative Reapportionment Commission had only seen the plan minutes earlier, the LRC voted 3-2 to accept the plan for a 30-day review period.   

After every census, Pennsylvania’s 203 House seats and 50 Senate seats are redrawn to accommodate changes in population. The LRC is made up of the House and Senate Democrat and Republican leaders, along with former Superior Court Judge Stephen L. McEwen as chairman.

The preliminary plan for Senate districts makes drastic changes in Western Pennsylvania, where population losses were significant. If approved, Greene County would be removed from the 46th District for the first time since before the 1968 Constitution. The 46th District would extend a narrow arm all the way to Monroeville in Allegheny County.

I’ve worked hard in the past year to form partnerships with local officials in Greene County and I have maintained the same district office there that Senator Barry Stout established in the early 1980s. I don’t think that such radical change is necessary to accomplish the simple goal of creating districts with equal population.

For the next 30 days, the LRC will be taking public comment on the plan and there will be a hearing scheduled. Click here for information on a scheduled public hearing or where to send your comment.  

Texting Ban Awaits Governor's Signature

Just hours after I joined my Senate colleagues in voting to outlaw text messaging while driving in Pennsylvania, a Butler County teenager was killed when she lost control of her car while texting. It was a sad reminder that young people aren’t getting the message about limiting distractions while driving.

The ban will go into effect 120 days after Gov. Tom Corbett signs Senate Bill 314, making Pennsylvania one of 34 states to prohibit texting while driving.  Drivers would face a $50 fine.

Admittedly, it will present enforcement challenges to police departments, but it’s a step in the right direction toward safer highways. It should remind parents to monitor the cell phone use of young drivers and set an example themselves by parking the phone while driving the car.