Milam Moved to New House District With Williamson County

(CAMERON) Under the redistricting plan dominated by Republicans and approved by the Legislative Redistricting Board (LRB) this week. Under the plan, Milam County has been tossed into a newly assigned 20th House District with heavily populated Williamson County.

State Representative Lois Kolkhorst said Wednesday that tears filled her eyes as she watched the Legislative Redistrcting Board whittle away at her House District 13. The LRB approved plan removes Brazos, Milam, Burleson and Lee Counties from her district. The new boundaries include Washington, Grimes, Austin and Walker Counties. Kolkhorst said it is bittersweet, but is still hoping that changes will be made. She stressed that she is still Milam County's Representative through January 2003. Kolkhorst said Thursday that Texas is facing tough times in 2003, with new state leaders, 40-50 new state representatives, 10 new senators and a budget shortfall.

The new redistricting changes are expected to face challenges in court. Meanwhile, the new district lines will not become affective until the next election cycle.

Every 10 years after new census figures are released, the state must redraw boundary lines for statewide and federal political subdivisions. The LRB has been charged with redrawing Texas House and Senate district boundary lines.

Under the LRB plan, Senate District 5, which includes Milam County and is represented by Senator Steve Ogden, will also have new boundaries, however, Milam County will remain in the district.

Maps and more information about the LRB plan is available by visiting their website at www.lrb.state.tx.us.