By Laura Weber, Michigan Public Radio Network
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkar/local-wkar-962130.mp3
LANSING, MI –
A state House committee will begin hearings next week on redrawing Michigan's federal and state political maps.
AUDIO:
Pete Lund is the Republican chairman of the House Redistricting and Elections Committee. In a statement he says, "Maintaining accurate representation for our state's changing population centers is an essential component of a functioning democracy." Lund says the process will be fair. Lund also spearheaded the Republican effort to reclaim control of the House last year.
The first hearing before the new committee will focus on 2010 U.S. Census results, with testimony from the state demographer. Michigan was the only state in the nation to lose population over the past decade, and the state will also lose a seat in Congress.