MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA) -
The Alabama House and Senate worked through the night debating what the house and senate districts will look like for the next ten years. After the session ended, 2 senators argued over the process of considering the redistricting bill. (see video)
Lawmakers started late and as the debate wore on it was tough for some to stay awake.
Democrats tried to block the plans from coming up for votes. They argued that Republicans who drew the maps diluted the influence of blacks by putting them in fewer districts.
Rep. Thomas Jackson (D) of Thomasville said, "Black districts is moving up to 68 and 70% where before it was 62% or 60% and now we're 66%, 68, 70% black. Those people came out of those white districts. They are stacking them so all of us have less influence."
Later, Democrats had the bill read a length; another robotic voice taking over the house chamber.
Rep. Mike Hubbard (R) of Auburn, Speaker of the House said, "It's just reading blocks of population blocks. You know it really makes no sense. You have to look at a map to understand it. So it's just a total waste of time."
The house eventually passed the senate plan around 4:30 a.m.
The special session is now over. The additional day cost tax payers between $8500 and $10,000.
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