Press Archive

WCVI and MALDEFF Unveil State Assembly
and Senate Redistricting Plan

Los Angeles, CA - The William C. Velásquez Institute (WCVI) and the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF) unveiled today Tuesday, July 31, 2001 the California's Senate and Assembly redistricting plans. The plan unveiled by (WCVI) and (MALDEF) was carefully crafted after months of community outreach efforts throughout California, and ensures a reapportionment process that is inclusive of the rapid growth of the Latino communities. "The concerns of the communities that WCVI and MALDEF visited are imprinted on these plans. We listened directly to community members who defined their needs and desires to elect representatives of their choice," stated Antonio González President of the WCVI.

The extensive community outreach efforts have produced redistricting plans where Latino communities with significant demographic changes stand to gain in exercising their political influence. The WCVI and MALDEF plan would create two new Latino assembly and senate districts, while preserving other districts that give Latinos an equitable opportunity to elect representatives of their choice. On July 17, 2001, WCVI and MALDEF submitted to the California Senate Committee on Elections Reapportionment their California congressional districts, recommending the creation of one new Latino district for the Central California Valley and the reconfiguration of others that would increase the possibility of new Latino representation.

"Latinos accounted for almost 80 % of the state growth. Now close to 11 million Latinos live in California, comprising 32.4 % of the state's total population. We seek to ensure that the state legislature of the next decade fairly represents our rapidly growing population and reflects the voice of the Latino community, as well as that of all California," added Amadis Velez, MALDEF's District Director.

"The redistricting process is arguably the most important political event of the decade, one that will determine the Latino representation for the next 10 years. It is our intention to ensure that the rapid population growth of Latinos is reflected in the final decisions where the lines will be drawn," added Zachary González WCVI's Redistricting Coordinator. The state senate legislative hearing is schedule for 1:00 p.m. at the State Capitol Building, Senate Room 4203. Representatives from WCVI and MALDEF will be available after the hearing to discuss the plans.

The William C. Velásquez Institute (WCVI) is a non-partisan Latino public policy and research institute that examines the Latino electorate and opinion trends. Since its founding in 1985, WCVI has been at the forefront of Latino Research in the areas of civic empowerment. For more information, please refer to the web site at www.wcvi.org.

MALDEF is a national non-profit civil rights organization which protects and promotes the civil rights of Latinos through advocacy, community education and outreach, leadership development, and when necessary, litigation. www.maldef.org.