Pfaff denounces special session to redistrict

Yesterday, Oct. 27, Gov. Mike Braun signed a proclamation calling a special session for the General Assembly to convene on Monday, Nov. 3 to redraw Indiana’s congressional maps in the middle of the decade, to go into effect for next year’s midterm elections. This unprecedented action follows the General Assembly redrawing Indiana’s congressional maps in 2021 following the 2020 U.S. Census. 

State Rep. Tonya Pfaff (D-Terre Haute) issued the following statement:

"Hoosiers have made it clear they don’t want their lawmakers to spend time and money redrawing our congressional maps at the command of the political establishment. Working families are facing the very real struggle of keeping up with the cost of living. Utility bill rate hikes, the property tax crisis crushing homeowners and health care costs going through the roof are all issues that the legislature should be focused on to make life better for the people we serve.

"A special session to redistrict is simply off topic and out of touch. Instead of playing political games, let's focus on the real issues keeping Hoosiers up at night.

“What’s especially frustrating is that many of my Republican colleagues believe this is the wrong move. They know it’s wrong — and that’s exactly why they’ve been so reluctant to take action. But they’ve been pressured into submission by their national party leadership, even when it goes against their better judgment and the interests of the people they represent.”

While Braun has called this special session, there is no enforcement mechanism that requires the General Assembly to answer his call and pass new maps. The legislature may gavel in on Monday and then gavel back out without completing any new business. It can also take up business unrelated to Braun’s stated purpose for the session.