My first August district work period has been a great experience. This work period marks the end of my first 8 months in Congress — a whirlwind experience to say the least — and the beginning of a month-long stay back home in California, interacting directly with the citizens of the 47th District.
I have been thoroughly enjoying community events, connecting with my constituents, and working with local groups to represent our community’s interests in Congress. I assure you, however, that I did not leave Washington quietly.
You will be pleased to know that I introduced my very first original piece of legislation just a few short weeks ago. It is an issue that I know and love, and it is something that is progressive and truly Californian.
Remember that initiative a few years ago that resulted in the independent California Citizens Redistricting Commission? My new bill seeks to institute that same concept — this time at a federal level.
The ‘Let the People Draw the Lines Act’ will take the power and politics of redistricting out of the hands of politicians, and create a commission of citizens to draw congressional boundaries. This could mean an end to gerrymandering — the closed-door, hyperpolitical way of controlling electoral outcomes — that, unfortunately, we have become used to.
This bill means so much to me because I know it works — it is a true representation of our democratic principles in action. And, I was proud to lead the charge in California to bring about the system of citizen-drawn lines.
Please click here to read more about the bill.
I am committed to passing this bill to create a more representative democracy and progressive election reform. The fight for the Let the People Draw the Lines Act has just begun, and it will continue until the lines of every district are drawn with citizens in mind, not politicians.
I would love to hear your thoughts about the Let the People Draw the Lines Act. If you have some time, please leave me a comment in the comments section of my latest Facebook post.