Florida’s redistricting failure shows lack of leadership in GOP
The Republicandominated Florida Legislature has once again shown its contempt for the citizens of Florida. Working in response to a Florida Supreme Court order requiring the Legislature to redraw Florida’s congressional districts, the House and Senate failed to reach agreement before the Special Session expired Aug. 21.
The genesis of the latest dysfunction is based on the voter-approved 2010 Fair Districts Amendments. The amendments require the Legislature to draw congressional and state legislative maps without taking into account partisan politics and incumbency. Lawsuits brought by the League of Women Voters and Common Cause after the 2012 redistricting found that the maps were drawn in a shadow process that violated the Fair Districts Amendments. The Florida Supreme Court issued an order directing the Legislature to redraw the congressional districts, providing specific guidance for 8 of the 27 seats.
The Legislature convened a special session Aug. 10 for the sole purpose of revising the maps. The session ended Aug. 21. Despite spending two weeks in Tallahassee at significant taxpayers’ expense, both chambers adjourned without an approved map. The irony and hypocrisy of this result is notable given the Legislature’s repeated attacks on “judicial activism.” The result of this legislative indecision now requires court action.
This legislative clash is a continuation of the ongoing House and Senate battle that began when the two chambers were unable to agree on a budget during the regularly scheduled session. The House unconstitutionally ended the session three days in advance, necessitating a three- week special session in June to resolve the budget, once again at taxpayers’ expense.
This continuing Republican-led power struggle shows an acute lack of leadership. Instead of focusing on doing its job, the Legislature is playing a dangerous game of chicken. Not only is this a waste of taxpayer time and money, but it highlights the ineptitude of those governing our state. Warring between the two chambers is no way to lead the thirdlargest state in the country.
A third special session has been called for Oct. 19-Nov. 6 to revise the Florida Senate maps. Many believe that this most recent special session was only a prelude for redrawing maps that will personally affect legislators. It is time for the gamesmanship occurring at citizen expense to end. Floridians deserve better leadership and should demand new compliant maps.
Lori Berman, D-Boynton Beach, represents state House District 90.