Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Both chambers of the Kansas Legislature are tackling political redistricting issues.

The House had a bill for redrawing the boundaries of members' districts on the agenda for its Wednesday session. The measure encountered little opposition in committee.

Lawmakers must adjust the boundaries of their districts and the state's four congressional districts to account for changes in population over the past decade.

The plan for the state House eliminates a single district each in southeast, southwest and central Kansas, adding districts in the Kansas City area.

Senators were expected to consider multiple plans when they debated congressional redistricting Wednesday afternoon.

Their bill expands the underpopulated 1st District of western and central Kansas to sweep in the Manhattan area in northeast Kansas. Local officials want to remain in an eastern Kansas district.