Transparency for the new state demographer

In November, voters approved “Clean Missouri,” an expansive amendment to the Missouri Constitution that alters many fundamental structures of our state government. Among other things, the measure changes the way state legislative districts are drawn every 10 years, moving our state from a bipartisan, commission-based system to one under the primary control of a single individual: the unelected state demographer.

I have many concerns about this new, and unproven, process of legislative redistricting. However, I also recognize and respect that the people have spoken. Going forward, I believe it is the General Assembly’s responsibility to ensure the new redistricting process is instituted in a way that is both fair and transparent.

As state lawmakers, we need to clarify the vague details of Clean Missouri to fulfill the will of the voters. That’s why I have sponsored Senate Bill 213.

This bill, which was third read and passed by the Senate on March 28, takes many of the anti-corruption aspects Clean Missouri instituted for state lawmakers — such as regulations on lobbying, financial disclosures and public availability of records — and applies them to the new position of state demographer. The measure also creates an online portal for public comments on the redistricting process.

I believe these tools will help the state demographer perform his or her job as effectively as possible, while also encouraging everyday Missourians to participate in the drawing of their legislative districts.