I’ve heard members of the Latino Policy Forum mention upcoming map proposals at various redistricting forums. Today they unveiled a comprehensive proposal for expanding the number of Hispanic state legislative districts:

Chicago – April 25, 2011 – The Illinois Latino Agenda, a collaboration of 49 Latino-serving organizations, today presents maps outlining 16 Latino House districts, along with a proposal for 4 Latino Senate districts, for consideration by the Illinois legislature as part of current redistricting efforts. The 20 proposed districts, a combination of Latino majority, influence and coalition districts represent consensus from the Agenda, a broad coalition of city- and suburban-based Latino-serving nonprofits, the largest Latino coalition in the region.

“If Illinois’ two million-plus Latinos were proportionately represented, there would be 28 Latino-elected leaders in Springfield. There are just 12 such leaders today. The disparity is troubling, given that Latinos are the second-largest racial/ethnic group in the state,” said Sylvia Puente, executive director of the Latino Policy Forum and Agenda co-convener. “However, given the geographic dispersion of our growing Latino community,the Agenda is calling for the creation of 20 Latino majority, influence, or coalition districts.”

Illinois Latino Agenda - A Suburban Example Covering Carpentersville and Elgin. One of many proposed state legislative districts for the 2010 redistricting process.

Here are some links to their full press release and proposed maps:

1. ILA Press Release – April 25th
2. ILA Proposal Summary
3. ILA Chicago, North Side Maps
4. ILA Chicago, South Side Maps
5. ILA Suburban Maps