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Today,
in a unanimous decision, the Supreme Court of the State of
Florida
held that House Joint Resolution 1987 (The House and Senate
Legislative Apportionment Plan) was "valid" and
thereby approved it as the 2002 apportionment of the Florida
Legislature.
"We are extremely gratified by the Supreme Court's
thoughtful analysis of the issues and its unanimous decision,"
said Speaker Tom Feeney.
The Supreme Court noted that the Joint Resolution, like
any other act of the Legislature enjoys a presumption of validity. The opponents of the Legislative Plan made numerous
arguments that have to date never been recognized in a court
of law, including arguing that the Legislature had to conform
with the opponents interpretation of "traditional redistricting
principles" or "objective standards".
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"We were
guided by one overriding standard; compliance with the Constitution
and Laws of the
United
States
and the State of
Florida
. Today the Supreme Court held that we met that standard,"
said Speaker Designate Johnnie Byrd, Chairman of the Procedural and
Redistricting Council.
Regarding the opponents' arguments on imposition of "traditional
redistricting principles", the Court stated: "We find no
merit to this claim." Similarly, the Court rejected the Attorney
General's argument that the reapportionment plan should be held invalid
and sent back to the Legislature noting that the suggested laundry
list of "objective standards" are "not Constitutionally
required."
"Reaching an expedited conclusion to this apportionment
process in order to minimize voter disruption and confusion is a compelling
state interest," said Speaker Feeney. "We are now eager to proceed with our defense of our valid
and Constitutional plans before the Federal Courts and will continue
to assist the Justice Department and provide whatever information
necessary to perform an expedited pre-clearance analysis."
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You can contact the Speaker
via email or
Capitol Office:
Room 420 The Capitol, 402 S. Monroe St., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1300
Phone (850)488-1450
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District Office:
P.O. Box 622109
Oviedo, FL
32762-2109
(407)977-6500
SUNCOM: 392-6500
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