Metro East Sun

Democrats of the House of Representatives were recently showed where their new districts could be drawn, which has some Republicans buzzing.

The staff of House Speaker Chris Welch showed the representatives their new district zones, and Sen. Jason Plummer (R-IL) responded to the meetings in a Facebook post. 

"Outside of a handful of well-financed special interest groups, if you think the Democrat Party of Illinois gives a flip about what you think, care about, or are experiencing, you're fooling yourself," Plummet said. 

"They rule while Illinois shrinks and your opportunities disappear. I'm on the Illinois Senate Redistricting Committee. I am the GOP Spokesperson on the subcommittees covering the Metro East and Southern Illinois. This blatant activity is occurring after dozens of hearings where minority groups, good gov't groups, and numerous other witnesses from across the political spectrum and from all parts of Illinois have literally begged the majority party to hear their concerns, allow their input, act with transparency, and make sure the remapping process puts citizens - not politicians - in charge. This is what they choose to do instead. 

"You think the smoke-filled dark rooms behind locked doors don't exist? Oh, they do in Springfield."

Many representatives dodged questions that were asked about the meetings while others didn't feel there were any substantial changes made. Some even stated that the lines could change many times over again before being finalized. 

The district lines have not been revealed to the public and the data won't be released until fall 2021 when the legislature has to hit a deadline to have it sent in for governor approval. 

After a reoccurring push for transparency, the Speaker's office has confirmed that the public will have an opportunity to analyze and give feedback on the district zones before the draft transitions to its final form.