Opinion ID: 1756463
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: comparison of present and proposed plans

Text: Proponents of the proposed plan argue that it differs from the existing plan by providing substantially greater opportunity for minorities to elect representatives of their choice. A comparison of the two plans, however, reveals no real change when the growth of minority populations over the past decade within existing districts as demonstrated by the 1990 census is considered. [26] In redrawing district lines for the House, the legislature has created 4 additional black majority districts, eliminated 13 black influence districts, created 2 additional Hispanic majority districts, and eliminated 1 Hispanic influence district. In redrawing Senate lines, the legislature has created 1 additional black majority district, retained the same number of black influence districts, eliminated 1 Hispanic majority district, and created 2 Hispanic influence districts. Thus, while the proposed plan offers change over the existing plan, it does little to increase the opportunity for minority representation, and in some instances actually decreases it. To the extent the plan benefits minorities, the changes are minor when compared to the historical underrepresentation and substantial inability minorities in Florida have experienced in electing legislators of their choice throughout the past decade.