Louisiana Redistricting Plan OK'd by Justice Department

By Eileen Fleming

New Orleans, La. – Louisiana lawmakers came up with the new map in a special session. The state has lost residents since the last federal Census, resulting in six districts instead of seven. The Justice Department had to clear the plan to make sure it complied with the 1965 Voting Rights Act. The plan divides a Congressional district now represented by a first-term Tea Party Republican. It preserves one district that has a majority black population, which will run from New Orleans to Baton Rouge. Black lawmakers voted nearly unanimously against the plan, saying it discriminates. The new districts take effect next year.
For WWNO, I'm Eileen Fleming.