Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer
JEFFERSON CITY, MO. -- After the 2010 Census numbers were released for Missouri, they showed that the state will be losing one of its nine congressional districts. Numbers showed that the state's population is growing at a slower rate than the national average. The greatest loss of population was in St. Louis with a nearly 6% decline.
Which congress person will be out of a district after the lines are redrawn in Missouri? About a dozen lawmakers gathered at the Capitol on Wednesday to start to answer that question. The House Special Standing Committee held a hearing to discuss redistricting and to unveil their proposal.
"The map is really very compact and I think the committee has done a very good job and I appreciate everyone's help over the past couple of weeks with your input and guidance on it," Republican House Panel chairman John Diehl said.
Diehl also stated that not all of Missouri's congressional members are happy with the proposed map but thought his committee did what was best for the state.
Under the proposal, Cole County would become part of Blaine Luetkemeyer's redesigned district and newly-elected congresswoman Vicki Hartzler's district would take in Boone County.
Diehl said his committee's map is only a starting point. Formal public hearings are scheduled for Thursday and Monday at the capital.
Proposed map. Courtesy of KRCG TV in Jefferson City
Additional information for this story provided by KRCG TV
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forKTVO