Vernon Sykes

The Ohio Redistricting Commission adopted new Ohio House and Ohio Senate district maps by a vote of 4 to 3, with Republican Auditor Keith Faber joining Democratic commissioners in voting against the proposal.

Senate President Matt Huffman (R-Lima) said a new set of Ohio House and Ohio Senate district maps could be proposed to the Ohio Redistricting Commission as early as Thursday.

The Ohio Supreme Court has given the members of the Ohio Redistricting Commission until Wednesday at noon to show why they shouldn’t be held in contempt for ignoring a deadline set by the court.

A group of Republican voters has sued in federal court to force the implementation of Ohio legislative maps previously tossed out by the state Supreme Court. The Ohio Supreme Court has twice rejected the maps for being gerrymandered in favor of Republicans.

Senate President Matt Huffman (R-Lima) said, without finalized district maps, it does not seem possible for Ohio to hold a primary for the legislative and congressional races by May 3.

The Ohio Supreme Court's ruling said the new maps for Ohio House and Senate districts are due on Saturday.

One hundred million dollars will be used to reimburse schools for pandemic-related expenses. $161 million will go to licensed childcare providers for children's mental health care and to increase both the early childhood workforce and access to childcare.

The commission will likely make changes to the House and Senate district maps after holding three public hearings.

Some Democrats and voting advocates worry maps will be drawn behind closed doors and rushed through the process.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine on Friday convenes the state redistricting commission, a seven- member board, charged with drafting new maps for state lawmakers’ districts. They’ve got a lot on their plate and not a lot of time to handle it all.