Tuscaloosa Redistricting Public Hearing Set For September

Tuscaloosa AL

31 July, 2021

4:34 PM

Description

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Following the conclusion of the 2020 Census, Alabama policymakers are now gearing up for the reapportionment process for the next 10 years as officials reconsider district lines for the state's congressional districts and school board seats, along with seats in the State Senate and House of Representatives. Public hearings are required during the process, with Tuscaloosa's set for Sept. 7 at 9 a.m. in the Bean-Brown Theater at Shelton State Community College. In addition to redrawing district lines, Tuscaloosa County previously pointed out that 2020 Census data will also be used to determine how the county's share of $13 billion in federal funds for schools, hospitals, roads, public works, and other programs. While the dates for public hearings are set, lawmakers will not have district-level data until the middle of August. Click here to subscribe to our free Tuscaloosa Daily newsletter and breaking news alerts Quick stats Congressional districts: 7 Alabama Board of Education seats: 8Alabama House of Representatives seats: 105State Senate seats: 35 The process is normally a contentious one, as federal law requires districts to have somewhat equal populations and must not discriminate by race or ethnicity. Alabama's Permanent Legislative Committee on Reapportionment also includes two Tuscaloosa-area elected officials: Republican State Sen. Gerald Allen and Democratic State Rep. Chris England. State Rep. Bill Poole was also on the committee, but has since left the legislature to become state finance director. In addition to Tuscaloosa's public hearing, here are other hearings set for west Alabama Fayette - Bevill State Community College (Sept. 2 at 2 p.m.) Demopolis - Demopolis Civic Center (Sept. 8 at 1 p.m.) Livingston - University of West Alabama's Webb Hall, Room 239. (Sept. 16 at 11 a.m.) Have a news tip or suggestion on how I can improve Tuscaloosa Patch? Maybe you're interested in having your business become one of the latest sponsors for Tuscaloosa Patch? Email all inquiries to me at [email protected]