Idaho Democrats protest State Affairs hearing
Idaho Democrats walked out of a State Affairs Committee hearing in Boise Friday.
The committee hearing focused on a proposal to tip the balance of the state’s redistricting commission, which critics said would enable the state to gerrymander legislative and congressional districts.
Committee Democrats questioned the need to hold hearings on a bill that was only introduced on Wednesday, giving the public little opportunity to travel to Boise to testify.
Representative John Gannon, (D) Boise, explained, “Idahoans have the right to participate in legislation, especially a constitutional amendment. A constitutional amendment is a serious matter, especially when it concerns gerrymandering. Idahoans deserve to have a say in their future. This legislation would affect individuals all over the state. People from Pocatello, Idaho Falls, Moscow, and everywhere else should have the ability to come testify on this legislation. This is not fair to the people of Idaho, especially independent voters because it injects Washington DC style politics into an Idaho commission.”
The proposal would add a seventh member to the commission, to be selected by the executive branch. Democrats said that would effectively alter the balance of the commission.
Gannon made a motion to delay a hearing on the bill until February 13 to give people an opportunity to attend. That motion was defeated.
“Our most important job is to represent the people of Idaho,” said Rep. Brooke Green (D), of Boise. “The committee hearing for this bill was extremely suspect. A last-minute hearing on a Friday for a bill this impactful is irresponsible. The individuals who voted against the motion to hear the bill later next week are voting to silence the voices of Idahoans.”
